Nagli/Ragi Laddu Recipe: A Nutritious South Indian Delight for Kids
Nagli/Ragi Laddu is a wholesome and delicious snack, especially perfect for kids. This sweet treat offers the goodness of ragi (finger millet), combined with the natural sweetness of dates, making it a fantastic way to incorporate this nutritious grain into your child’s diet. The laddus are enriched with jaggery, peanuts, sesame seeds, and a mix of dry fruits and nuts, ensuring that every bite is not only tasty but packed with essential nutrients. Adjust the sweetness to suit your taste by modifying the quantity of dates or jaggery. For the best results, always use freshly milled ragi flour. This recipe is not only healthy but also fun for kids to participate in. Let them roll the laddus and watch as they create their own snack! Whether it’s an after-school treat or a snack box addition, Nagli Laddu is bound to be a hit among children.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ragi Flour (Finger Millet/ Nagli) | 250 grams |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Dates (soft, seedless, finely chopped) | 250 grams |
| Jaggery (powdered) | 1/4 cup |
| Ghee | 1/4 cup (approximately 4 tablespoons) |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali, roasted and powdered) | 4 tablespoons |
| Sesame Seeds (Til seeds, roasted and powdered) | 3 teaspoons |
| Dry Coconut (kopra, grated) | 2 tablespoons |
| Dry Fruits (finely chopped or crushed) | As required |
| Mixed Nuts (finely chopped or crushed) | As required |
| Milk | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Instructions
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Roast the Flours: Begin by heating the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the ragi flour and whole wheat flour, and roast them gently. Stir constantly to ensure they donβt burn, and continue until they release a delightful, nutty aroma.
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Add Dates and Jaggery: Next, add the finely chopped dates and powdered jaggery to the pan. Stir the mixture well and cook for a few minutes until the jaggery melts and blends into the flours. Keep stirring to prevent burning.
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Combine the Other Ingredients: Once the jaggery has melted, remove the mixture from the heat. Add the roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, grated dry coconut, chopped dry fruits, and mixed nuts. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined. Let the mixture cool slightly.
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Pulse the Mixture: To ensure an even mix, pulse the mixture in a food processor once or twice. This helps blend the ingredients further, making it easier to shape the laddus.
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Shape the Laddus: While the mixture is still warm, form it into small round balls (laddus). If the mixture feels too dry and crumbly, sprinkle a little milk to bring everything together. Continue rolling the laddus until the entire mixture is used.
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Cool and Store: Allow the laddus to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. These laddus stay fresh and are perfect for snacking throughout the week.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these delicious Nagli/Ragi Laddus with a Scrambled Egg Sandwich with Cucumber and a side of fresh fruits for a wholesome and satisfying lunchbox treat for your kids.
Allergen Information:
This recipe contains peanuts, which are a common allergen. If you are preparing these laddus for someone with peanut allergies, consider substituting the peanuts with another nut, like cashews or almonds, or omitting them entirely.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: Yes, if you use gluten-free oats or confirm that the flour used is certified gluten-free.
- Nut-Free Option: This recipe can be made nut-free by omitting peanuts and mixed nuts, though the taste and texture may differ slightly.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute ghee with coconut oil and use a dairy-free milk alternative for a vegan option.
Health Tips:
Ragi is a powerhouse of calcium, iron, and dietary fiber, making it an excellent food choice for growing children. Dates provide natural sweetness while adding fiber and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. Adding sesame seeds, dry coconut, and mixed nuts offers healthy fats, antioxidants, and protein, making this a balanced and nutritious snack.
Conclusion:
Nagli/Ragi Laddu is not just a dessert; it’s a wholesome snack that blends the rich taste of South Indian flavors with the nutrition of superfoods. It’s a perfect way to nourish your kids with a treat that is both tasty and healthy. Prepare it together as a family and enjoy the fun of cooking as well as the delicious rewards of your hard work. Whether itβs for school, a snack, or a treat, Nagli Laddu will surely become a favorite in your home.
