Tilgul Ladoo
A traditional Maharashtrian sweet made for the Makar Sankranti festival. These delightful sesame and jaggery balls are nutty, chewy, and packed with winter warmth. A simple, wholesome treat that symbolizes peace and togetherness.
For 8 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Roast Seeds and Nuts
- b.Place a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai on low heat. Add the white sesame seeds and dry roast for 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously until they turn light golden, start to pop, and release a nutty aroma. Immediately transfer to a plate to cool.
- c.In the same pan, dry roast the raw peanuts on low-medium heat for 6-7 minutes until the skins are blistered and they are fragrant. Transfer to another plate to cool completely.
- d.Once the peanuts are cool, rub them between your palms to remove the skins. Discard the skins.
- e.Coarsely crush the roasted peanuts using a mortar and pestle or by placing them in a bag and crushing with a rolling pin. A few quick pulses in a grinder also works, but avoid making a fine powder. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare Jaggery Syrup
- b.In the same pan, add 1 tbsp of ghee. Once it melts, add the grated jaggery and 2 tbsp of water. Cook on a low flame, stirring continuously.
- c.The jaggery will melt and start to bubble. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the syrup becomes frothy and slightly thick.
- d.To check for the correct consistency (soft ball stage), drop a tiny bit of the syrup into a small bowl of cold water. It should immediately solidify and form a soft, pliable ball that you can press. If it dissolves, cook for another minute and test again. This step is crucial for chewy ladoos.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Shape Ladoos
- b.Once the jaggery syrup reaches the soft ball stage, turn off the heat immediately.
- c.Quickly add the roasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, and green cardamom powder to the syrup. Mix vigorously until everything is well combined.
- d.Let the mixture cool for only 1-2 minutes. It needs to be hot enough to shape but cool enough to handle.
- e.Grease your palms with a little ghee. Take a small portion (about 1.5 tablespoons) of the mixture and roll it firmly between your palms to form a tight, round ladoo.
- f.Work quickly as the mixture hardens as it cools. Place the shaped ladoos on a greased plate or parchment paper.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cool and Store
- b.Allow the Tilgul Ladoos to cool completely at room temperature for at least an hour. They will become firmer as they cool.
- c.Once fully cooled, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks at room temperature.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The jaggery syrup consistency is the most critical part. The water test is non-negotiable for perfect texture.
- 2Use 'Chikki Gul' or 'Chikki Jaggery' if available, as it's specifically designed for making sweets like this and sets perfectly.
- 3Do not over-roast the sesame seeds, as they can become bitter and ruin the taste of the ladoos.
- 4If the mixture becomes too hard to shape, gently warm the pan on the lowest heat for 20-30 seconds to soften it again.
- 5Greasing your hands with ghee not only prevents sticking but also adds a lovely aroma and shine to the finished ladoos.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Coconut
Mix in 1/4 cup of roasted desiccated coconut along with the sesame seeds for a different texture and flavor.
Add NutsAdd Nuts
Incorporate 2-3 tablespoons of finely chopped almonds or cashews for extra crunch.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a pinch of dry ginger powder (sonth) or nutmeg powder along with the cardamom for a warmer, spicier note.
Vegan VersionVegan Version
Substitute the ghee with an equal amount of coconut oil to make the recipe fully vegan.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Winter Warmth
In Ayurveda, both sesame seeds and jaggery are considered 'warming' foods (ushna). They generate heat in the body, making this an ideal snack for colder months.
Rich in Essential Minerals
Sesame seeds are an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, and zinc, vital for bone health. Jaggery is a good source of iron, which helps prevent anemia.
Good Source of Healthy Fats
Sesame seeds and peanuts are packed with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and help in managing cholesterol levels.
Natural Energy Booster
The combination of jaggery (simple carbohydrates) with the protein and fats from seeds and nuts provides a quick yet sustained release of energy, making it a great snack.
Frequently asked questions
One Tilgul Ladoo (approximately 25g) contains around 120-140 calories, primarily from the jaggery, sesame seeds, and peanuts.