Gulavani is a unique, traditional Maharashtrian sweet sauce that’s often served alongside puran poli, especially during festive occasions like Diwali, Holi, and Ganesh Chaturthi.
This rich, flavorful sauce combines jaggery, aromatic spices, and a hint of ghee, bringing a delicious balance of sweetness and warmth to the table. The process of making Gulavani may seem intricate, but with the right steps, it’s simple and rewarding.
In this post, we’ll go through the steps to prepare authentic Gulavani, bringing the taste of Maharashtra’s heritage to your home. Let’s dive into what makes this delicacy so special.
What is Gulavani?
Gulavani is a traditional Maharashtrian sauce made from jaggery, a bit of milk, and a blend of spices like cardamom, nutmeg, and dry ginger. Unlike many sweet accompaniments, it isn’t overly sugary.
Instead, it has a subtle sweetness from jaggery, which also offers nutritional benefits, and a complex flavor profile thanks to spices. Its taste and texture make it an ideal companion to puran poli, a popular festive flatbread filled with sweetened lentils.
Gulavani Recipe: How To Make Authentic Gulavani
Ingredients Needed for Gulavani
Here’s what you’ll need to make Gulavani:
Water – 1 cup
Jaggery – ½ cup, grated
Cardamom powder – ½ teaspoon
Nutmeg powder – ½ teaspoon
Dry ginger powder (sunth) – ½ teaspoon
Ghee – 1 tablespoon
Milk – ½ cup (added after cooling the mixture)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Gulavani
Let’s go through each recipe step to ensure that your Gulavani turns out rich, smooth, and bursting with traditional flavour.
1. Prepare the Jaggery Base
Start by adding 1 cup of water to a saucepan and bring it to a gentle heat.
Add ½ cup of grated jaggery to the water, stirring occasionally to help it dissolve. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, ensuring that the jaggery is fully melted.
2. Add Spices for Authentic Flavor
Once the jaggery mixture is boiling, add ½ teaspoon each of cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, and dry ginger powder (sunth).
Stir well, allowing the spices to fully incorporate and infuse the syrup with their aromas.
3. Strain the Mixture
For a smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any undissolved particles or impurities.
This step is crucial for a refined consistency and to keep the sauce free from any graininess.
4. Let the Mixture Cool
Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool completely. Avoid adding milk to the hot mixture, as this could cause it to curdle, affecting both the texture and taste.
5. Add Ghee and Milk
After the mixture has cooled, stir in 1 tablespoon of ghee to add richness.
Next, pour in ½ cup of milk, stirring well to achieve a creamy, smooth sauce. The addition of milk gives Gulavani a luxurious consistency and mild creaminess.
6. Serve Warm with Puran Poli
Once your Gulavani is ready, serve it warm with freshly made puran poli. Its sweetness and spiciness create a perfect balance with the mildly sweet puran filling, adding a depth of flavor that completes the festive meal.
Why Gulavani is Perfect for Festive Meals
Gulavani isn’t just a sauce; it’s a cultural symbol of Maharashtra’s rich culinary heritage. Its blend of jaggery and spices aligns beautifully with the flavors of traditional Maharashtrian fare, especially during Diwali and other auspicious occasions.
The natural sweetness of jaggery, combined with the warmth of cardamom, nutmeg, and ginger, makes it a comforting and nourishing accompaniment.
Tips for Making the Perfect Gulavani
Use good quality jaggery – Opt for organic jaggery for the best taste and texture.
Cool before adding milk – Ensure the syrup is at room temperature to avoid curdling.
Add spices to taste – You can adjust the quantities of cardamom, nutmeg, and ginger powder according to your preference.
Recipe Credit: how to make gulavani at home video step by step
Conclusion
Gulavani is a dish that reflects the warmth, tradition, and flavor of Maharashtra. It’s easy to prepare and adds a comforting, aromatic sweetness to any festive meal. Paired with puran poli or bhakri, it becomes a complete treat for the senses.
So the next time you want to add an authentic touch to your Maharashtrian meal, try making Gulavani and bring a taste of Maharashtra’s rich heritage to your table.
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