You often hear celebrities, dietitians, and nutritionists telling you to stay clear from processed sugar and sweets dishes that might be loaded with it. While you want to eat healthy, your cravings often encourage you to indulge in sinful desserts and baked goods that satisfy your cravings but also add several calories to your body.
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A simple solution to this is to prepare millet laddus (ladoos) at home. Millets are known to be nutritious, gluten-free, and healthy substitutes. You can also opt for jaggery and other sources of sugar to add sweetness to the spherical delights that will not only be a treat for your taste buds but also add essential nutrients to your body. Here are a few varieties to make at home.
Jowar Ladoo
Jowar or sorghum is easily available at a local kinara shop or supermarket. It can be easily combined with jaggery, nuts, ghee, and cardamom. You can use a wet grinder to convert the millet into flour, roast it, and transform it into a thick dough-like consistency so that you can shape it into a small laddus. These delights flaunt a crumbly texture and mildly sweet note. One ladoo will provide you with a dose of protein and fibre.
Kodo Millet Ladoo
Kodo millet is grown in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and other Indian states. It is easily accessible across the country and a perfect ingredient to pick if you often suffer from digestive ailments. Combine the flour with jaggery, coconut, cardamom powder, ghee, and a few nuts. Shape the mixture into ladoos and store in an airtight jar.
Bajra Ladoo
Bajra, also referred to as pearl millet, is grown in areas where rain is scarce. It is a crucial part of Rajasthani cuisine and is widely consumed across India during winter. When making ladoo with bajra flour, do not forget to add sesame seeds for the nutty and toasty flavour. Not only are these sweets delicious but their chewy texture and earthy notes make them a perfect addition to the servings of snacks to guests.
Proso Millet Ladoo
Proso is a variety of millet grown abundantly in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar. It is considered a good source of protein. Boasting a chewy texture, it is an excellent ingredient to experiment with in your kitchen. You can make ladoos by roasting the flour in ghee and topping it with jaggery, cardamom powder, and crushed nuts. Add coconut for richness and creamy flavours.
Ragi Ladoo
Ragi or finger millet is among the most sought-after and promoted millets in India. From celebrities to politicians, everyone has spoken about how they try to incorporate this treasure of nutrients in their everyday diet. While many recipes revolve around using it to prepare savoury delicacies, ragi ladoo are rich sources of iron and calcium. Do not forget to add crushed nuts for an extra serving of minerals and vitamins.
Barnyard Millet Ladoo
Barnyard millet is grown in several parts of India, and it is widely consumed as well. Since its calorie count is low and fibre amount is high, it is perfect for people trying to watch their weight and stay in shape. Replace other millet flour with this one to prepare nutritious ladoos flaunting nutty taste and mild sweetness.
Foxtail Millet Ladoo
Another gem that you can experiment with while making laddus for yourself at home is foxtail millet. It also pairs well with sesame seeds and is an excellent ingredient to consume in winter. Not only is it rich in minerals but also antioxidants. Thus, it will benefit your skin and overall well-being.