Sesame Jaggery Ladoo
Nutty, chewy, and sweet energy balls made with roasted sesame seeds, rich jaggery, and fragrant cardamom. A traditional Indian sweet, perfect for winter festivals and as a healthy snack.
For 12 servings
Roast the sesame seeds.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pan on low-medium heat.
- Add the sesame seeds and roast, stirring continuously, for 5-7 minutes.
- The seeds will turn fragrant, start to pop, and become slightly plump. Do not let them turn brown.
- Transfer to a plate and let them cool completely.
TIPRoasting on low heat is key to developing a nutty flavor without any bitterness.Coarsely grind the sesame seeds.
Once cooled, transfer about 3/4 of the roasted seeds to a grinder. Pulse just a few times to get a coarse powder. Keep the remaining 1/4 of seeds whole for texture.
TIPDo not over-grind, or the seeds will release their oil and turn into a paste.Melt the jaggery.
- In the same pan, add the ghee and let it melt over low heat.
- Add the grated jaggery and 1-2 tablespoons of water.
- Stir continuously until the jaggery melts completely into a smooth, slightly frothy syrup, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
TIPAvoid boiling the jaggery syrup for too long, as this can make the ladoos hard. Just melting it is sufficient.Combine the mixture.
- Turn off the heat.
- Immediately add the ground sesame powder, whole sesame seeds, and cardamom powder to the melted jaggery.
- Mix everything quickly and thoroughly until well combined.
Shape the ladoos.
Let the mixture cool for a minute, just enough so you can handle it. While it's still warm, grease your palms with a little ghee. Take a small portion of the mixture and roll it firmly between your palms to form a tight, round ball.
TIPYou must work quickly while the mixture is warm. If it becomes too cool and hard to shape, gently warm it on the stove for 30 seconds.Cool and store the ladoos.
Place the prepared ladoos on a plate and let them cool down completely to firm up. They can be enjoyed immediately or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use fresh, good quality sesame seeds and dark-colored, organic jaggery.
- 2Greasing your palms with ghee not only prevents the mixture from sticking but also adds a lovely aroma to the ladoos.
- 3If the mixture seems too dry and isn't binding, you can add a teaspoon of warm ghee to help bring it together.
- 4For extra crunch and nutrition, add 1/4 cup of chopped almonds, cashews, or roasted peanuts along with the sesame seeds.
- 5Let the ladoos cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- 6These ladoos make for a great edible gift during festivals like Makar Sankranti, Lohri, and Diwali.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, in moderation. Sesame Jaggery Ladoos are a nutrient-dense snack. They are a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, and healthy fats. While jaggery is less processed than white sugar, it should still be consumed mindfully.



