Nagli (Ragi) Laddu Recipe: A Healthy and Delicious South Indian Dessert
Nagli, also known as Ragi or Finger Millet, is a powerhouse of nutrients and a staple in many South Indian homes. This Nagli/Ragi Laddu is a traditional dessert that combines the richness of ragi with the natural sweetness of dates, jaggery, and a variety of nuts and seeds. These laddus make for a perfect snack for kids, a nutritious addition to any lunchbox, or simply a guilt-free treat. This recipe is both vegan and vegetarian, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these delightful laddus in under an hour.
Ingredients for Nagli/Ragi Laddu
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ragi Flour (Finger Millet/ Nagli) | 250 grams |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Dates (soft and seedless) | 250 grams |
| Jaggery (powdered) | 1/4 cup |
| Ghee (Clarified Butter) | 1/4 cup |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali) – powdered | 4 tablespoons |
| Sesame Seeds (Til seeds) – roasted and powdered | 3 teaspoons |
| Dry Coconut (kopra) – grated | 2 tablespoons |
| Mixed Dry Fruits (optional) | As required |
| Mixed Nuts (optional) | As required |
| Milk (for binding, if required) | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Cooking Time: 45 Minutes
Total Time: 55 Minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions to Make Nagli (Ragi) Laddu
-
Roast the Flours:
Start by heating the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the ragi flour and whole wheat flour to the ghee and roast them gently, stirring constantly. Keep roasting until the mixture releases a lovely aroma and turns slightly golden. Be careful to avoid burning the flours, so continue stirring gently throughout the process. -
Add Dates and Jaggery:
Once the flours are roasted, add the soft, seedless dates and powdered jaggery to the pan. Let them cook together for a few minutes, allowing the jaggery to melt and blend seamlessly with the flours. Keep stirring occasionally to ensure even mixing. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
After the jaggery has melted, remove the pan from the heat. Now, add the roasted and powdered peanuts, sesame seeds, grated dry coconut, and any mixed dry fruits or nuts you’d like to include in the laddus. Stir everything together thoroughly. Let the mixture cool slightly to make it easier to shape. -
Pulse for Even Consistency:
Once the mixture has cooled down enough to handle, transfer it to a food processor and pulse it once or twice. This step ensures that all the ingredients are mixed evenly, and the mixture holds together better when shaping the laddus. -
Shape the Laddus:
While the mixture is still warm (but cool enough to handle), shape it into small, round balls (laddus). If the mixture feels too dry and crumbly, sprinkle a little milk to help it bind together. Gently press and roll each laddu between your palms until smooth. -
Cool and Store:
Let the laddus cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This helps them firm up and maintain their shape. -
Serving Suggestion:
Serve your homemade Nagli/Ragi Laddus as a healthy snack for kids, or pair them with a Scrambled Egg Sandwich with Cucumber and some fresh fruits for a complete and nutritious lunchbox option.
Tips for Perfect Laddus:
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your dates and jaggery, you can adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
- Add Flavored Nuts: You can enhance the flavor by adding roasted cashews, almonds, or walnuts, according to your preference.
- Milk for Binding: If you find the mixture too dry and crumbly, a splash of warm milk will help bind the ingredients together more effectively.
- Storage: These laddus stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Why Choose Nagli/Ragi Laddus?
- Nutritional Benefits: Ragi is packed with calcium, iron, fiber, and essential amino acids. It’s a great option for promoting bone health and preventing anemia.
- Energy Boosting: The dates and jaggery provide a natural source of energy, making these laddus an excellent snack for kids or a quick pick-me-up during the day.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring that all the ingredients used are free from gluten.
These laddus are not only delicious but also extremely nutritious, making them a great addition to your family’s diet. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea, in a lunchbox, or as a treat after a meal, Nagli/Ragi Laddu is sure to become a favorite!
