Dry fruit laddu, a traditional Indian sweet, is a perfect blend of health and taste. Packed with the goodness of various dry fruits and the natural sweetness of jaggery, these laddus are not only delicious but also a powerhouse of energy. Ideal for a quick snack, these laddus are easy to make and can be stored for days. Let’s dive into the recipe for making these delectable treats!

Dry Fruits Laddu Ingredients List with Jaggery:

• Dry Fruits:

  • 1/2 cup almonds
  • 1/2 cup cashews
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 1/2 cup pistachios
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup dates (seedless and chopped)
  • 1/4 cup dried figs (chopped)

• Others:

  • 1 cup jaggery (grated)
  • 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
  • 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Fruits

1. Chop the Dry Fruits: Start by roughly chopping almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pistachios. Ensure they are in small, bite-sized pieces.
2. Soak and Chop Dates and Figs: Soak the dates and figs in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften them. Once softened, chop them finely.
3. Rinse Raisins: Wash the raisins thoroughly and pat them dry.

Step 2: Roast the Dry Fruits

1. Heat a Pan: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee.
2. Roast the Nuts: Add the chopped almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pistachios. Roast them on medium heat until they turn slightly golden and release a nutty aroma. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Roast the Sesame and Poppy Seeds (if using): In the same pan, dry roast the sesame seeds and poppy seeds until they are slightly browned. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Jaggery Syrup

1. Melt the Jaggery: In a separate pan, add the grated jaggery and 2-3 tablespoons of water. Heat on medium flame until the jaggery melts completely and forms a thick syrup. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
2. Check the Consistency: To check if the syrup is ready, drop a small amount of syrup in a bowl of cold water. If it forms a soft ball, it is ready.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

1. Combine Dry Fruits and Jaggery Syrup: In the pan with the roasted dry fruits, pour the jaggery syrup. Mix well to ensure all the dry fruits are coated with the syrup.
2. Add Cardamom Powder: Sprinkle the cardamom powder and mix again. This adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the laddus.

Step 5: Shape the Laddus

1. Grease Your Hands: Lightly grease your palms with ghee to prevent sticking.
2. Shape the Laddus: Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round laddus. Press firmly so they hold their shape.
3. Cool and Store: Allow the laddus to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container.

Tips and Variations:

• Variation in Nuts: You can add or substitute any nuts of your choice, such as hazelnuts or pecans.
• Coconut Flavor: Add grated coconut for an extra flavor dimension.
• Health Boost: Include seeds like flaxseeds or chia seeds for added health benefits.
• Spice It Up: For a bit of spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or black pepper powder.

Health Benefits:

Dry fruit laddus are not only tasty but also packed with numerous health benefits:

• Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
• Energy Boost: Perfect for a quick energy boost, especially during winter or fasting.
• Digestive Health: Dates and figs are high in dietary fiber, aiding digestion.

Conclusion

Making dry fruit laddu with jaggery at home is a rewarding experience. These laddus are a perfect blend of taste and health, offering a nutritious snack that can be enjoyed by all ages. Whether for festivals, special occasions, or just a regular day, these laddus are sure to bring joy and energy. So, roll up your sleeves and try this delightful recipe at home. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of dry fruit laddus with jaggery!

Happy Cooking!