Date Walnut Ladoo
Naturally sweet and packed with nutrients, these date and walnut ladoos are the perfect energy-boosting snack. A simple, no-sugar-added treat ready in minutes, ideal for satisfying sweet cravings healthily.
For 12 servings
Toast the nuts and seeds.
- In a dry pan over low-medium heat, add the walnuts and toast for 2-3 minutes until lightly fragrant. Remove from the pan.
- In the same pan, add the sesame seeds and toast for 1-2 minutes until they turn a light golden brown and start to pop. Be careful not to burn them.
- Set both aside to cool completely.
TIPToasting brings out the natural oils and enhances the nutty flavor of the walnuts and sesame seeds.Grind the dates and walnuts.
- Add the pitted dates to a food processor or a strong blender. Pulse a few times to break them down into a coarse, sticky paste.
- Add the cooled, toasted walnuts to the processor with the dates.
- Pulse again until the walnuts are coarsely ground and well combined with the date paste. Don't over-process; a little texture is nice.
Combine all ingredients.
Transfer the date-walnut mixture to a bowl. Add the toasted sesame seeds, ghee, and cardamom powder. Mix everything together with your hands until it forms a uniform, slightly sticky dough.
TIPUsing your hands helps the ghee melt with the warmth and bind the mixture effectively.Shape the ladoos.
Take a small portion of the mixture (about a tablespoon) and roll it firmly between your palms to form a smooth, round ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture to make about 12 ladoos.
Serve or store the ladoos.
The ladoos are ready to be eaten immediately. For a firmer texture, you can refrigerate them for 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1If your dates are dry or hard, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes, then drain thoroughly before grinding.
- 2For extra texture, you can reserve a few chopped walnuts to mix in at the end instead of grinding them all.
- 3A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon can be added along with the cardamom for a warmer spice profile.
- 4To prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands while rolling, you can lightly grease your palms with a little ghee.
- 5These ladoos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Date Walnut Ladoo is a very healthy snack. It's made with natural ingredients, provides sustained energy from dates, healthy omega-3 fats from walnuts, and is free from any refined sugar.
