Atukula Ladoo (Sweetened Poha Energy Balls)
A delightful and wholesome treat, Atukula Ladoo is a traditional Indian snack made from poha (flattened rice), jaggery, roasted coconut, and cashews. This easy-to-make energy ball is perfect for festivals or as a healthy snack, offering a delicious combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re craving something sweet or looking for a quick energy boost, Atukula Ladoo serves as a satisfying choice.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Poha (Flattened Rice) | 1 cup |
| Jaggery (broken) | 1/2 cup |
| Dessicated Coconut (roasted) | 1 tablespoon |
| Cashew Nuts (roasted and powdered) | 3 tablespoons |
| Ghee (melted) | 2 tablespoons |
| Cardamom Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
Servings
Makes about 2 servings.
Cuisine
Indian
Course
Snack
Diet
Vegetarian
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 20 g |
Instructions
-
Roasting the Poha:
Begin by heating a kadai or a heavy-bottomed pan. Add 1 tablespoon of ghee (optional) and gently roast the poha (flattened rice) until it turns crisp and releases a pleasant aroma. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Once roasted, turn off the heat and allow the poha to cool completely. -
Grinding the Ingredients:
After cooling, transfer the roasted poha to a grinder and grind it into a fine powder. Next, add the broken jaggery, roasted dessicated coconut, and powdered cashews to the grinder. Grind everything together to form a smooth, consistent mixture. -
Forming the Laddus:
Transfer the ground mixture into a large bowl. Add the remaining melted ghee and cardamom powder, and mix thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined. The mixture should come together easily. If the mix is too dry and does not bind, you can add a few drops of milk to help it stick together. -
Shaping the Laddus:
With your hands, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into smooth balls (laddus) of your preferred size. The laddus should hold their shape well with these proportions. -
Optional Decoration:
Once the laddus are shaped, place them on a serving tray or plate. If desired, you can decorate the laddus with silver foil for a festive touch. -
Serving Suggestion:
Serve the Atukula Ladoo as a part of your festive meal or as a quick energy snack. It pairs wonderfully with dishes like Tomato Onion Sambar, Jeera Milagu Rasam, Raw Banana Thoran, Cabbage Pachadi, Steamed Rice, and Elai Vadam.
Tips:
- Consistency: If the ladoos are not binding properly, adding a little milk or water will help. However, use only a few drops at a time to avoid making the mixture too wet.
- Roasting Ghee: For a more authentic flavor, always roast the poha in ghee, but if you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the ghee while roasting.
- Sweetness: The sweetness of the ladoos primarily comes from jaggery. If you prefer a sweeter ladoo, feel free to add more jaggery according to your taste.
Storage
Store the Atukula Ladoo in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
Atukula Ladoo is a nourishing snack that combines the benefits of poha, jaggery, and nuts, offering a wholesome treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a festival or simply need an energy-packed snack, these sweetened poha energy balls are sure to be a hit!
