Magic Of Millets: Nutritious Ladoos To Keep You Warm This Winter

India is among the largest producers of millets. Thanks to renowned chefs and celebrities, people are learning more about these gluten-free, nutritious, and fibre-rich grains. Between 2017-18 and 2021-22, India reportedly produced around 17 million tonnes of millets, including finger millet, pearl millet, and sorghum.

Being a rich source of minerals, fibre, and vitamins, millets can be consumed throughout the year, but they are of utmost importance in winter because they can help to keep the body warm. You can use them to cook a variety of delicacies, including traditional ladoos that you can relish on the go. Below are some recipes you must try.

Sorghum Millet Ladoo

Sorghum or jowar vitamin B-complex, fibre, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and antioxidants. It is considered good for your digestive system and helps to replenish lost nutrients in the body. You can combine it with jaggery, dry fruits, coconut, and cardamom to prepare lemon-sized ladoos you can savour anytime. These will also keep you warm when the temperature drops.

Also Read: The Guilt-Free Milching Of Super Grains! Know 5 Types Of Millet Milk 

Foxtail Millet Ladoo

In winter, you can also consume foxtail millet ladoos. The grain is rich in iron which helps with muscular spasms. Since it is gluten-free, it is also good for your health and digestive system. People with cholesterol can also consume it. To prepare ladoos, you will need to mix the millet in powdered form with jaggery, dry fruits, and a pinch of nutmeg powder. You can also use dates instead of jaggery.

Finger Millet Ladoo

Not only does finger millet have calcium but it is also loaded with iron and protein. Ragi ladoo can help refuel your body with energy and control blood sugar levels. Though it is mostly used to prepare dosa and upma, you can combine the flour with ghee, nuts, dry fruits, and jaggery. It is a must-have delight in North India where temperature can drop below 0°C in many parts.

Kodo Millet Sesame Ladoo

Sesame seeds and kodo millet are a winter combo that you must try this year. It is warming, comforting, fulfilling, and nutritious. This ladoo recipe can help you curb your cravings and avoid putting on extra weight around the holidays. Combine kodo flour, jaggery, and sesame seeds, and shape this mixture into ladoos. You can also add nuts and dry fruits to enhance the flavours.

Amaranth Millet Ladoo

Amaranth is rich in fibre, protein, antioxidants, vitamin B6, and minerals. Everything that makes up this millet can benefit your body. Combine puffed rajgira with dates or jaggery, nuts, and dry fruits. You can also add some toasted sesame seeds for the crunch. This recipe will leave you wanting more but also help you control your hunger and munching on snacks between meals.

Pearl Millet Ladoo

Pearl millet is most widely used in Indian cooking. The flour is used to make flatbread, baked goods, and soups as well. This winter, use it to make delicious melt-in-the-mouth ladoos. Bajra also pairs well with sesame so you can use toasted white sesame seeds to add a crunch and amplify the nutrition quotient of the recipe. Make sure to add lots of ghee for binding.