Til Gur ke Laddu, also known as Til Gur Ladoo or Sesame Jaggery Balls, is a traditional Indian sweet made especially during the winter months. It’s nutritious, delicious, and relatively simple to prepare. Here’s a detailed recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white sesame seeds (til)
- 1 cup grated jaggery (gur)
- 2-3 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional)
- Chopped nuts like almonds, cashews, or pistachios (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Dry Roast Sesame Seeds:
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sesame seeds to the pan and dry roast them, stirring constantly, until they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
- Once roasted, transfer the sesame seeds to a plate and let them cool down completely.
- Prepare Jaggery Syrup:
- In the same pan, add the grated jaggery and a tablespoon of ghee.
- Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously, until the jaggery melts and forms a thick syrup. This may take around 4-5 minutes.
- To check if the syrup is ready, drop a small amount into a bowl of water. It should form a soft ball when pressed between your fingers. This stage is called the “soft ball stage.”
- Once the syrup reaches the soft ball stage, turn off the heat.
- Combine Sesame Seeds and Jaggery Syrup:
- Add the roasted sesame seeds to the jaggery syrup.
- Mix well until the sesame seeds are evenly coated with the syrup.
- If using, add cardamom powder at this stage for extra flavor.
- Shape the Laddus:
- Grease your palms with a little ghee to prevent sticking.
- Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round balls or laddus while the mixture is still warm. Press firmly to ensure they hold their shape.
- If desired, garnish each laddu with chopped nuts while shaping them.
- Let Them Set:
- Place the shaped laddus on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.
- Allow them to cool completely at room temperature. As they cool, they will firm up and hold their shape.
- Serve or Store:
- Once the laddus have cooled down completely, they are ready to be served.
- Store any leftover laddus in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for several days.
Tips:
- Be cautious while cooking the jaggery syrup to avoid burning yourself.
- You can adjust the sweetness according to your taste preference by adding more or less jaggery.
- Feel free to add other ingredients like grated coconut, chopped dates, or powdered nuts for variation.
- These laddus are nutritious and can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert during festivals like Makar Sankranti or as a treat during winters.
Enjoy making and indulging in these delicious Til Gur ke Laddu!
