Til Gud Ladoo
Nutritious and delicious energy balls made with roasted sesame seeds, jaggery, and a hint of cardamom. A traditional Indian sweet, perfect for winter warmth and healthy snacking.
For 12 servings
Roast and prepare the sesame seeds.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over low-medium heat.
- Add the sesame seeds and dry roast, stirring continuously, for 4-5 minutes until they turn light golden and start to pop.
- Transfer the roasted seeds to a plate and let them cool completely.
- Once cool, transfer half of the seeds to a grinder and pulse a few times to get a coarse powder. Keep the other half whole.
TIPDon't over-roast the sesame seeds, as they can become bitter. A light golden color is perfect.Prepare the jaggery syrup.
- In the same pan, add the grated jaggery and water.
- Cook on low heat, stirring until the jaggery melts completely.
- Increase the heat to medium and bring the syrup to a boil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes frothy and slightly thick.
- To check for consistency, drop a small amount of syrup into a bowl of cold water. It should form a soft ball.
TIPGetting the right syrup consistency is key. If undercooked, the ladoos won't hold their shape. If overcooked, they will be very hard.Combine all ingredients.
Turn off the heat. Immediately add the whole sesame seeds, ground sesame powder, cardamom powder, and 1 tsp of ghee to the jaggery syrup. Mix everything quickly and thoroughly until well combined.
Shape the ladoos.
- Let the mixture cool for just a minute or two, until it's warm enough to handle.
- Grease your palms with the remaining ghee.
- Take a small portion of the mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) and press it firmly between your palms to shape it into a tight, round ladoo.
- Place the formed ladoos on a plate.
TIPWork quickly while the mixture is still warm. If it cools down too much, it will be difficult to shape the ladoos.Cool and store.
Allow the ladoos to cool down completely at room temperature for about an hour. They will firm up as they cool. Once firm, store them in an airtight container.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer flavor, you can add 2 tablespoons of roasted and crushed peanuts or almonds to the mixture.
- 2If the mixture becomes too hard to roll, gently heat it for 30 seconds to soften it again.
- 3Using powdered jaggery helps it melt faster and more evenly.
- 4Ensure your hands are well-greased with ghee to prevent the sticky mixture from clinging to your palms.
- 5These ladoos are best stored at room temperature. Refrigerating can make them very hard.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, in moderation, Til Gud Ladoo is considered a healthy sweet. Sesame seeds are rich in calcium, iron, and healthy fats, while jaggery is an unrefined sugar that provides minerals. They are a great source of energy.
