As the winter season sets in, our bodies instinctively crave warmth and comfort. However, the temptation to indulge in unhealthy snacks can pose a threat to our well-being. It becomes imperative to choose foods that not only provide warmth but also contribute to overall health. Enter Gond and Fenugreek Laddu – a traditional winter delicacy that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also nourishes your body with essential nutrients.
The Winter Superfoods: Edible Gum, also known as Gond, takes center stage in this recipe. Its remarkable properties include the ability to generate heat within the body, enhance metabolism, fortify bones, and alleviate constipation. Alongside, Fenugreek Laddu brings a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, boasting amino acids, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and various vitamins such as B6 and C.
Balancing Act: Fenugreek, when combined with jaggery, becomes a dynamic duo for boosting mineral levels and promoting robust bone health. The high fiber content in fenugreek aids digestion, making it an ideal choice for rejuvenating the body during the winter months. The key is to consume fresh, homemade, and nutritious food in moderate portions to ward off potential health issues.
The Recipe: To embark on this culinary journey, gather the following ingredients:
- 6 tbsp ghee / clarified butter
- ½ cup (100 gm) gond / dinka / edible gum / anutu
- 2 tbsp cashew / kaju, chopped
- 2 tbsp almonds / badam, chopped
- 2 tbsp raisins
- 1½ cup (100 gm) dry grated coconut / kopra
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds / khus khus
- ¾ cup (100 gm) dry seedless khajur / dates
- ¼ tsp cardamom powder / elachi powder
- ¼ tsp nutmeg powder / jaiphal powder
- 1 cup (200 gm) jaggery / gud
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions:
- Heat ¼ cup ghee in a tawa and roast ½ cup gond separately.
- Crush the roasted gond using your hand or a rolling pin.
- Roast dry fruits, dry coconut, and poppy seeds.
- Roast khajur powder with 2 tbsp ghee on low flame.
- Transfer the roasted khajur powder into the same bowl, add cardamom and nutmeg powder, and mix well.
- Pour 1-string jaggery syrup over the dry fruit mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into ladoos while it’s still hot/warm, using ghee-greased hands.
- Store the Gond Ladoo in an airtight container for lasting freshness.
In a Nutshell: Celebrate the winter season with a perfect blend of taste and health by indulging in these Gond and Fenugreek Laddus. Embrace the goodness of traditional ingredients and elevate your well-being with every delightful bite.
