From Sesame To Panjiri: 5 Best Winter Laddoos

Laddoos can be the ultimate all-season dessert and never fail to disappoint. However, you can try exploring something else rather than besan, motichoor or boondi laddoos for winter, which are delicious and hearty. Dry fruit, dal or nut-based laddoos especially are a perfect alternative to sugary, sweet laddoos. Firstly, they have several health benefits which help boost immunity during winter. Secondly, dried fruits, nuts or even certain dals have a natural sweetness which cuts down on the usage of sugar needed. Here are some laddoos which are perfect as winter desserts

Til Laddoo (Sesame Seed Laddoo):

Til laddoos are an iconic winter delight enjoyed across India. Made from sesame seeds and jaggery (or gur), these laddoos are rich in essential nutrients and warmth. Sesame seeds are a good source of calcium, iron, and antioxidants which make til laddoos a nutritious choice for a dessert. The earthy flavour of sesame seeds meshes really well with the natural sweetness of jaggery because the latter has a gentle, organic sweetness that’s not overpowering. Til laddoos are often made during the festival of Makar Sankranti, marking the transition of winter into spring.

A good hack is to add a spoonful of peanut butter into the laddoo mix to enhance the natural nutty quality which will maximise the laddoo’s flavour profile.

Gond Ke Laddoo (Edible Gum Laddoo):

This traditional Rajasthani winter treat has roots in Ayurveda. Made from edible gum, whole wheat flour, ghee, and an assortment of nuts and spices, these laddoos are believed to provide warmth and energy to the body during the chilly winters. Gond is known for its its role in strengthening the immune system, which makes them a healthier option than traditional laddoos. The combination of gond, nuts, and aromatic spices creates makes the dish quite hearty, not to mention it’s one of the easiest recipes.

Dry Fruits Laddoo:

A great solution for winter meals if you don’t want dense milk-and-sugar recipes for desserts. With dry fruit laddoos, there are endless possibilities; you can go with figs and dates and include seasonal produce like cranberries or oranges. Ingredients like almonds, cashews, dates, figs, and raisins are typically finely chopped or ground and then bound together with honey or jaggery to form compact, energy-packed laddoos. These laddoos offer a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

It’s easy to control sweetness in dry fruit laddoos since they don’t need a lot of sugar and most dried fruits and nuts have a natural sweetness. Moreover, they are usually pretty shelf-stable and can be stored at home for weeks

Moong Dal Laddoo (Yellow Lentil Laddoo):

Moong dal laddoos are a nutritious and protein-rich winter dessert. Made from roasted moong dal, ghee, and jaggery, these laddoos are flavourful and an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients. Most dal-based laddoos use ghee which has a natural muskiness that enhances the sweetness; this is quite key because dal is naturally savoury so even if you’re using sugar or sweeteners, don’t miss out on adding ghee as well.

Panjiri Laddoo:

Panjiri laddoos are a North Indian delicacy which is made across the country during pujas, fasting periods and festivals. It’s particularly common during the Janmashtami festival. Panjiri is thought to have evolved from an Ayurvedic recipe. Panjiri is a dry, sweet mixture made from whole wheat flour, ghee, sugar, and a variety of nuts and seeds.

It is usually roasted and rolled into laddoos; some recipes call for the inclusion of ingredients like melon seeds, almonds, and spices which pack on the health benefits and add a rich texture and complexity to the flavor profile.