During seasonal changes, it is crucial to keep the body toned and ensure its internal strength. Instead of using market supplements, traditional gond and dried fruit laddus are the most natural and best way to achieve this goal. These laddus, rich in protein, calcium, iron, and healthy fats, not only boost immunity but also help alleviate joint pain, lower back pain, and general fatigue. They are especially beneficial for new mothers.
Benefits and Taste of Laddus
Furthermore, these sweets are distinguished not only by their health benefits but also by their excellent taste. Below is the simplest recipe for preparing perfect, crunchy gond and dried fruit laddus at home.
Required Ingredients
To prepare, you will need: 1/2 cup edible gond, 1.5 cups wheat flour, 1 cup dessert oil (desi ghee), 1.5 cups mixed dried fruits (almonds, cashews, walnuts), finely chopped or coarsely ground; 1 cup makhana (coarsely ground); 1/2 cup grated dry coconut; 1.5 cups powdered sugar, jaggery, or palm powder; 1 teaspoon cardamom powder and 1 teaspoon sonth powder (optional, ideal for winter).
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Roasting the Gond
In a thick-bottomed pot, heat half a cup of dessert oil over medium heat. Gradually add the gond and roast it over low or medium-low heat until it starts to expand significantly, like grains, and becomes completely crunchy inside. Remove the roasted gond onto a plate and, after cooling, crush it using a bowl or rolling pin into coarse crumbs.
Step 2: Roasting Dried Fruits and Makhana
In the same pot, add a little oil and lightly roast the chopped cashews, almonds, and walnuts until lightly golden brown. Then roast the makhana until crispy, remove, and let it cool, after which grind it in a blender to a coarse powder. Lightly roast the grated coconut for one minute without oil as well.
Step 3: Roasting the Flour
Add the remaining oil to the pot and pour in the wheat flour. Stir constantly over low heat until the flour turns golden-brown and the oil begins to separate. Transfer the cooked roasted flour to a large, wide dish (praat).
Step 4: Mixing All Components
To the warm roasted flour mixture, add the crushed gond, roasted dried fruits, ground makhana, roasted coconut, cardamom powder, and sonth powder. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 5: Adding Sweetness and Shaping the Laddus
When the entire mixture becomes slightly warm (so that it can be touched by hand), mix in the powdered sugar, jaggery, or palm powder. Gently knead all components with your hands until uniform. Then, taking a small amount of the mixture in your hand, press it firmly and shape it into round laddus. Your healthy and delicious laddus are ready. They should be completely cooled and stored in an airtight container.