Guilt-Free Amaranth, Dates, and Almond Ladoo Recipe
Indulge your sweet cravings with a nutritious and guilt-free treat, the Amaranth, Dates, and Almond Ladoo. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy snack packed with protein, fiber, and natural sweetness. Perfect for festive occasions or a post-workout energy boost, these ladoos combine the nutty goodness of amaranth, the natural sweetness of dates, and the richness of almonds.
Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 45 minutes | 55 minutes | 5 ladoos |
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Amaranth Seeds (Rajgira) | 1/2 cup |
| Dates, deseeded and finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 pinch |
| Almonds (Badam), coarsely chopped | 8 |
| Almonds (Badam), powdered | 10 |
| Coconut Oil | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | ~5 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~20 g |
| Fats | ~6 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sugars (Natural) | ~12 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Amaranth
- In a saucepan, add 1/2 cup of amaranth seeds and 1-1/2 cups of water.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the water to a boil.
- Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The amaranth should absorb most of the water and start appearing slightly cooked.
Step 2: Incorporate the Dates
- Add the finely chopped dates to the partially cooked amaranth.
- Mix well and cover the saucepan. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes.
- If needed, add a small amount of water to maintain the consistency.
Step 3: Flavor and Dry the Mixture
- Once the amaranth is fully cooked and soft to the touch, add a pinch of cardamom powder and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil.
- Continue cooking on medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes together and most of the water has evaporated.
Step 4: Add the Almonds
- Stir in the coarsely chopped almonds and the powdered almonds. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool completely.
Step 5: Shape the Ladoos
- Once cooled, grease your palms lightly with coconut oil.
- Take small portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms to form small balls (ladoos).
- Be gentle, as the mixture may be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 6: Garnish and Store
- Decorate each ladoo with a small piece of almond for an elegant touch.
- Arrange the ladoos on a platter or store them in an airtight container.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the ladoos immediately or let them chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to develop fully.
- Enjoy these healthy delights as a snack or a festive treat!
Tips & Variations
- Storage: These ladoos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Additions: For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of desiccated coconut or a sprinkle of chia seeds to the mixture.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness by adding or reducing the number of dates based on your preference.
- Vegan: This recipe is already vegan-friendly, but you can ensure it by using plant-based coconut oil.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Guilt-Free Amaranth, Dates, and Almond Ladoo is:
- Nutrient-packed: High in protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Naturally Sweetened: No refined sugars, just the goodness of dates.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal effort.
- Versatile: Perfect for kids’ lunchboxes, festive celebrations, or as a healthy dessert.
Create a moment of sweetness without compromise, and make these ladoos a part of your healthy snacking routine! Enjoy every bite of this wholesome goodness. 🌟
