Recipe: Let’s make Laddoos

So what are laddoos anyway?
Laddu or laddoo are round sweet treats from the Indian subcontinent. They are often eaten during festivals and celebrations like Diwali, and are delicious 'round foods' that are jam packed with nutritious ingredients in the loveliest little sweet ball.

I love to make these. Whether it's healthy snacks to have around the house, for parties with friends or within my role as an Ayurvedic postpartum doula, laddoos are fu, versatile and packed with nuts, seeds, ghee, spices, and dried fruit, these balls are great for rebuilding and rejuvenating your body.

Here is a great article all about laddoos and their rich history:
https://www.cordonbleu.edu/news/online-learning-student-article-rajika-menon/en#:~:text=The%20ancient%20Indian%20physician%20and,for%20its%20anti%2Dbacterial%20properties.

So let's get started...

Ingredients:

• 6 LARGE PITTED DATES
  

• 1 AND 1/4 CUP MIXED NUTS OF YOUR CHOICE LIKE
  ALMONDS, WALNUTS, PINE NUTS, HAZELNUTS,
  ROASTED CHESTNUTS, PECANS, PISTACHIO,
  CASHEW NUTS, PEANUT, SESAME SEEDS,
  SUNFLOWER OR PUMPKIN SEEDS, CHIA SEEDS
  

• 1-2 TBSP FATS LIKE GHEE, COCONUT OIL, TAHINI,
  OLIVE OIL, ALMOND OR PEANUT BUTTER
  

• 1-2 TBSP SWEETENER LIKE JAGGERY, CAROB SYRUP,
  MAPLE SYRUP, MOLASSES, SORGHUM SYRUP, DATE SYRUP
  

• 1-2 TBSP TOASTED GRAIN FLAKES OR FLOURS LIKE
  OATS, RAGI MILLET, EINKORN, RYE, TOASTED BLUE
  CORNMEAL, BUCKWHEAT
  

• 1/4 CUP DRIED FRUITS LIKE RAISINS, APRICOT,
  PRUNES, PLUMS, DRIED BERRIES, GOJI, JUJUBE,
  PINEAPPLE, CHERRIES
  

• SPICES AND HERBS: 1- 2 TBSP LIKE GINGER,
  CARDAMOM, CINNAMON, CLOVE, NUTMEG, NETTLE,
  ROSEHIP, SAFFRON, VANILLA
  

• EXTRA OUTER TOPPINGS LIKE PUFFED CEREALS:
  PUFFED QUINOA, AMARANTH, RICE,
  COCONUT FLAKES, CACAO POWDER, DRIED SEAWEED
  

• PINCH OF SALT
  

  Makes about 12 Laddoo's.
  
  DIRECTIONS:
  
  Blend all ingredients in a food processor to a semi
  smooth paste with some crunchy texture, add
  more fats or nuts if you need to adjust the
  texture.
  The mixture should feel like soft dough. Roll into
  small balls and roll them in coconut flakes, puffed
  amaranth or quinoa or cacao powder and store it
  in an airtight jar.
  
  Remember - You can get as creative as you like with these. Whilst traditionally they are sweet treats, you can make savoury versions too: my fave is seaweed and sesame. You can create them as seasonal snacks, adjusting the spices in line with the season (like Christmas spices for example). You can make smaller ones or large ones, it can be as bespoke as you like.
  
  Start out by making some with the guidance above and once you feel confident with the basics you can improvise however you like. More dates, less dates... use ghee and tahini, seeds, no seeds. It really is up to you.
  
  Be sure to grab yourself a jar of Mam'Ghee from our online shop here:
  https://www.mamghee.com/shop
  
  Hope you enjoy,
  Natalie