Ragi Laddu
Nutritious and delicious Indian sweets made with finger millet flour, jaggery, and nuts. These wholesome energy balls are a perfect healthy snack, especially beneficial during postpartum recovery and for seniors.
For 12 servings
Roast the ragi flour.
In a heavy-bottomed pan, dry roast the ragi flour on low to medium heat. Stir continuously for 8-10 minutes until it becomes aromatic and slightly changes color. Be careful not to burn it. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
TIPRoasting the flour well is key to removing its raw taste and making the laddus delicious.Toast the almonds.
In the same pan, dry roast the chopped almonds for 2-3 minutes until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Add them to the bowl with the roasted ragi flour.
Combine dry ingredients.
Add the cardamom powder to the ragi flour and almond mixture. Mix everything well.
Prepare the jaggery syrup.
- In the same pan, add the grated jaggery and water.
- Heat on low, stirring until the jaggery melts completely.
- Add the ghee and almond butter to the melted jaggery.
- Stir until everything is well combined into a smooth, liquid mixture. Do not boil, just melt.
TIPJust melting the jaggery is enough. Over-boiling can make the laddus hard.Combine wet and dry ingredients.
Pour the hot jaggery-ghee mixture over the ragi flour mixture. Use a spatula to mix everything together until well combined.
Shape the laddus.
Let the mixture cool slightly until it's warm enough to handle. Grease your palms with a little ghee. Take a small portion of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a smooth, round laddu. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
TIPShape the laddus while the mixture is still warm, as it will be difficult to bind them once it cools completely.Cool and store.
Place the laddus on a plate and let them cool down to room temperature. They will firm up as they cool. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Roast the ragi flour on a low flame to ensure it cooks evenly without burning.
- 2If the mixture feels too dry to bind, add a teaspoon of warm milk or melted ghee.
- 3You can add other chopped nuts like walnuts or seeds like sesame for extra crunch and nutrition.
- 4For a richer flavor, you can use homemade ghee.
- 5Ensure the jaggery is free of impurities. If not, melt it, strain it, and then use.
- 6These laddus are a great source of energy and can be eaten as a mid-morning or evening snack.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Ragi Laddu is very healthy. Ragi is a superfood rich in calcium, iron, and fiber. Jaggery is a natural sweetener with minerals, and nuts provide healthy fats and protein. It's an excellent snack for all ages, especially for growing children, new mothers, and seniors.
