Dry Fruit Ladoo

If you’re looking for a delectable treat without the need for sugar or jaggery, then this Dry Fruit Ladoo recipe is just what you need! Perfectly suited for festive occasions like Diwali, Navaratri, and Krishna Janmashtami, these nutritious and delightful laddus are sure to please your taste buds.

The Dry Fruit Ladoo is a delightful and nutritious treat made solely from a selection of dry fruits, free from any added sugar or jaggery. What’s even more amazing is that this healthy laddu doesn’t require edible gum to hold its round shape. Instead, we use coarsely ground seedless dates, which not only act as a binding agent but also provide natural sweetness to these delectable laddus.

Being a huge fan of dry fruits and Indian sweets made from them, like Kaju Barfi or this very Dry Fruit Barfi, brings back fond memories of my childhood. Dry fruit ladoo stands out as one of the healthiest Indian desserts, boasting a budget-friendly calorie count. As previously stated, this laddu recipe omits sugar or jaggery syrup, making it a perfect choice for those conscious of their calorie intake.

What’s more, the water content of the dry fruits is removed, resulting in a nutrient-dense treat. Packed with essential vitamins E, iron, magnesium, and beta carotene, these ladoos offer a small yet powerful package of goodness.

Benefits of Dry Fruit Ladoo

These delectable dried fruit laddus or energy balls offer a myriad of health benefits.

Packed with antioxidants, dried fruits, and nuts play a crucial role in supporting the well-being of our eyes and heart. Additionally, they aid in reducing fat and blood sugar levels, making them an excellent choice for those seeking to manage their weight or adhere to a diabetic diet.

One of the key ingredients in these energy bites is dates. Dates are not only rich in natural sugars but also high in fiber, making them a wholesome sweetener for these delightful treats.

What’s more, these energy balls are thoughtfully crafted to accommodate various dietary preferences and requirements. They are gluten-free and suitable for those following vegan, vegetarian, and paleo diets.

Indulging in these delicious energy balls not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body with essential nutrients. Enjoy a guilt-free treat while reaping the healthful rewards they bring!

Ingredients

• Raisins / dry grapes – 3 tbsp
• Ghee / clarified butter – 1 tbsp
• Seedless dates / khajur – 1 cup
• Pistachios – ¼ cup
• Cashews – ¼ cup
• Cardamom powder -½ tsp
• Almonds – ¼ cup

How to Make Dry Fruit Ladoo

To begin, take 1 cup of seedless dates and put them in a blender. Dry blend them with around 4-5 pulses until they are coarsely blended. Set the blended dates aside.

Next, finely chop the cashews, pistachios, and almonds. Avoid grinding them into a powder, as the crunchy texture is part of the enjoyment.

Now, take a kadai or a deep frying pan and add a tablespoon of ghee. Once the ghee is heated, add the chopped dry fruits, including raisins, cashews, pistachios, and almonds. Fry them on medium flame for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn slightly golden in color.

After that, add the coarsely blended dates to the kadai. Continue frying everything on medium flame and use a spatula to smash the dates. This step is important as it helps the dates to separate and mix evenly with the other dry fruits.

While sautéing, also add cardamom powder for extra flavor and continue stirring until the dates start releasing oil.

Switch off the stove and let it cool for a minute or two. After that, you can start making laddus right away. Avoid letting it cool completely, as it may hinder the laddu-making process.

Lastly, either serve the ladoo promptly or preserve them in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

TIPS, SUBSTITUTIONS, AND VARIATIONS

These laddu, also known as energy balls, are completely gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by replacing ghee with vegan butter or coconut oil. If you prefer, you can even omit the added fat altogether. I personally like to use ghee as it enhances the overall flavor.

If you find the dates to be too dry, don’t worry! Simply soak them for 15 minutes, drain the excess water, and then use them in the recipe. This will make the binding process much easier.

Now, if you’re not in the mood to shape the mixture into balls or laddu, no problem! You can instead pour the mixture over parchment paper on a baking dish and press it down evenly. Allow it to chill for an hour, and then you can cut it into protein bars or burfi bites.

For those who enjoy the delightful aroma of coconut, feel free to add some desiccated or shredded coconut flakes to the recipe.

You can also experiment with other ingredients like figs and walnuts. Just remember to maintain a balance of approximately 1:1 between the dates and figs to nuts and seeds. This ensures you get the perfect crunch and binding. Adjust the quantity of nuts according to your taste preference.

If you’re not a fan of watermelon seeds, don’t hesitate to substitute them with any other seed you love, such as sesame or poppy seeds.

For a twist in flavor, you can replace cashews with roasted peanuts. It adds a delightful nuttiness to the laddu.

If you’re a nut lover, consider adding 1 or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter for that extra dose of nutty goodness.

For a different fruity flavor, feel free to swap out the raisins with cranberries.

If you’re aiming to make these laddus more protein-rich, just add 1 tablespoon of protein powder to the recipe.

And finally, if you’re making these for kids (or even if you’re a kid at heart), you can make them even more enjoyable by tossing in some chocolate chips and crushed pretzels.

FAQs

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