Here’s a unique and simple recipe for Til Ke Laddu (Sesame Seed Ladoos), a traditional Indian sweet treat often made during winter for its warming and nutritious properties. This recipe combines sesame seeds with jaggery to create delicious, soft, and chewy laddus that are easy to make at home.
Ingredients
To make around 15–20 laddus, gather these simple ingredients:
- White Sesame Seeds (Til) – 1 cup
- Jaggery (Gud) – ¾ cup (grated or chopped finely for easy melting)
- Desiccated Coconut (optional) – 2 tablespoons, for a richer flavor
- Cardamom Powder – ½ teaspoon, for aroma
- Ghee (Clarified Butter) – 1–2 teaspoons, for binding and shine
Instructions
1. Roast the Sesame Seeds:
- Begin by dry-roasting the sesame seeds. Heat a thick-bottomed pan on medium heat, and add the sesame seeds.
- Stir continuously to avoid burning. You’ll notice the seeds turning a light golden color and starting to pop slightly. This process takes around 3–5 minutes.
- Once roasted, set the seeds aside to cool. Roasting helps to enhance the nutty flavor of sesame seeds and makes them more aromatic.
2. Prepare the Jaggery Syrup:
- In the same pan, add the ghee and jaggery over low heat.
- Stir frequently until the jaggery starts to melt, forming a smooth syrup. This process is key as it determines the texture and binding of your laddus.
- To check if the jaggery syrup is ready, drop a small amount in a bowl of cold water. It should form a soft ball that holds its shape. If not, cook for another minute and test again.
- Tip: Be cautious with the temperature as jaggery can easily burn, which affects the taste of the laddus.
3. Mix Sesame Seeds with Jaggery Syrup:
- Once the jaggery reaches the soft-ball stage, quickly add the roasted sesame seeds to the pan, along with the desiccated coconut (if using).
- Add cardamom powder for a warm, aromatic touch.
- Mix thoroughly, making sure all the sesame seeds are coated evenly with the jaggery.
4. Shaping the Laddus:
- Turn off the heat, but keep the pan on the stove. Allow the mixture to cool for about 1–2 minutes; it should be warm but not too hot to touch.
- Grease your hands with a bit of ghee to prevent sticking, then take a small portion of the mixture (around a tablespoon) and roll it between your palms to form a round laddu.
- Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into laddus.
Tip: If the mixture hardens too quickly, place the pan back on low heat for a few seconds to soften it up, making it easier to shape.
Storage and Serving
- Allow the laddus to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. These laddus have a long shelf life and can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Til Ke Laddu pairs wonderfully with a cup of warm milk or tea and makes a wholesome, nutritious snack, especially in cold weather.
Variations and Tips for a Unique Twist
1. Nutty Additions:
- For an extra crunch, add a handful of crushed nuts like almonds, pistachios, or cashews. You can roast them with the sesame seeds or add them after the jaggery is melted.
2. Use Flavored Jaggery:
- Some regions offer flavored jaggery infused with spices or herbs, like ginger or fennel. These add a distinct flavor to the laddus, making them more unique.
3. Healthier Twist with Flaxseeds:
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of flaxseeds to the sesame seeds for additional health benefits, as they’re high in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
4. Coconut Version:
- If you’re a fan of coconut, increase the desiccated coconut to ¼ cup, and substitute half of the sesame seeds with shredded coconut. This will give your laddus a tropical flavor profile.
5. Add Dry Fruits for Natural Sweetness:
- Finely chopped dates or raisins can be added for natural sweetness and extra texture. This way, you might also reduce the amount of jaggery if you prefer.
6. Black Sesame Seeds for Color Contrast:
- Mix a small amount of black sesame seeds with white sesame seeds for a beautiful color contrast in your laddus. Black sesame seeds are also rich in nutrients.
Health Benefits
Til Ke Laddu is not only a treat for the taste buds but also packed with health benefits:
- Rich in Healthy Fats: Sesame seeds are an excellent source of healthy fats, which support heart health and provide energy.
- High in Minerals: Sesame seeds contain calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which support bone health.
- Natural Sweetener: Jaggery is an unrefined sugar with minerals like iron, making it a healthier alternative to white sugar.
- Warming Properties: This recipe is ideal for winter as sesame seeds and jaggery are known to generate warmth in the body.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use Brown Sugar Instead of Jaggery?
- Yes, you can substitute jaggery with brown sugar. However, the flavor and texture will slightly differ, as brown sugar lacks the rich depth and caramel-like taste of jaggery.
2. Why Did My Laddus Become Too Hard?
- The jaggery might have cooked too long, leading to a hard texture. Be careful not to overcook the syrup; it should be at a soft-ball consistency.
3. Can I Add Honey?
- Honey doesn’t work well as a substitute for jaggery in this recipe, as it will not solidify properly when mixed with sesame seeds. Stick to jaggery or brown sugar for the best results.
Til Ke Laddu is a timeless recipe that brings both health and taste in a simple package. Whether it’s for a festive occasion or a nutritious snack, these laddus are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the rich, nutty flavors and the chewy, sweet texture of homemade Til Ke Laddu!