How To Make Til Ladoo: Simple Sesame Laddu Recipe for Winters

For those who don’t know, til ke laddoos is a popular and traditional Indian sweet treat made with sesame seeds, jaggery, and ghee. The sesame laddu is particularly enjoyed during the winter months and celebrations like Makar Sankranti, Lohri, and Pongal. Rich in nutrients, til ke laddu provides a perfect blend of taste and health. 

While they are easily available in stores, making them at home is an amazing experience. A sesame laddu recipe can be a part of someone's family tradition. It is the little things that every family adds to it, making it their own. Making these laddus is another tradition handed down by generations.

The earthy aroma of roasting sesame seeds and melting jaggery creates a warm atmosphere at home. Then comes the fun part, where the family gathers to shape the laddus. Even little ones join in. It is a nostalgic journey that connects individuals to memories and family traditions. Homemade til ke laddoos are packed with care and spread the festive cheer when you share them.

For those who don’t have their recipe, we bring you a simple and delicious til ke laddu recipe to try at home.

Before we get to the sesame laddu recipe, here’s what you will need to gather.

Ingredients for Making Til Ke Laddu:

To prepare delicious sesame laddus, you will need:

• 2 cups white sesame seeds (til)
• 1 cup jaggery (gur), grated or crushed
• 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder (elaichi)
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, or pistachios)

Now, let’s look at how to make til ladoo.

How to make sesame laddu:

Follow these simple steps to make your own batch of delicious til ke laddus:

Step 1: Roasting the sesame seeds 

• Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pan on low to medium heat.
• Add sesame seeds and roast them for 5-7 minutes. Stir until they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma.
• Be careful not to over-roast the seeds as they might turn bitter and affect the taste of your til ke laddu.
• Once roasted, transfer the sesame seeds to a plate and let them cool down.

Step 2: Preparing the jaggery mixture

• In the same pan, add ghee and let it melt on low heat.
• Add grated or crushed jaggery to the melted ghee and cook on low heat, stirring continuously.
• Cook the mixture until the jaggery melts and forms a thick syrup. Check the consistency by dropping a small amount of syrup into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a hard ball, the jaggery mixture is ready.
• At this stage, add cardamom powder and mix well.

Step 3: Combining the ingredients

• Add the roasted sesame seeds and chopped nuts (if using) to the jaggery mixture.
• Mix everything well to ensure the sesame seeds are evenly coated with the jaggery syrup.
• Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down slightly, but not completely, as it will be difficult to shape the sesame laddus if the mixture cools down too much.

Step 4: Shaping the laddoos

• Grease your palms with a little ghee to prevent the mixture from sticking.
• Take a small portion of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a round ball, approximately the size of a table tennis ball.
• Repeat the process with the remaining mixture to make more laddus.
• Place the shaped til ke laddoos on a plate and let them cool down completely.

Step 5: Storing the Til Ke Laddoos

• Once the sesame laddoos have cooled down and hardened, transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store the container in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Til ke laddus can be stored for up to two weeks, though their taste and texture are best enjoyed within a week.
  
  

Cooking Tips When Following the Til Laddu Recipe:

To ensure your til ke laddus are perfect every time, keep these helpful cooking tips in mind.

1. Always roast the sesame seeds on low to medium heat, stirring continuously to avoid burning them. Over-roasted seeds can make the laddus bitter.
2. While cooking the jaggery mixture, keep the heat low to prevent it from burning. It's essential to achieve the right consistency for perfect laddus.
3. Do not let the jaggery and sesame seed mixture cool down completely before shaping the laddus. If the mixture becomes too hard, it will be difficult to form the balls. If it does harden, you can reheat it slightly to soften it.
4. Grease your palms with ghee while shaping the sesame laddus to prevent them from sticking to your hands.
5. If you find the laddu mixture too dry and difficult to shape, add a little more melted ghee or warm jaggery syrup to the mixture to adjust the consistency.
6. You can customize the til ke laddu recipe by adding different nuts, seeds, or even grated coconut to the mixture for a unique twist on the traditional til ke laddu.

With this simple and delicious til ke laddu recipe, you can now enjoy the warm and comforting taste of this sweet at home. Whether you're celebrating a festival or simply craving a nutritious and tasty treat, sesame laddus are sure to delight your taste buds.

Share this recipe with friends and family so they can learn how to make til ladoo. After all, sharing is caring!

Til ke laddu FAQs

1. What are the benefits of eating sesame laddus?

Sesame laddus are not only delicious but also offer numerous health benefits, including:

• Rich in nutrients: Sesame seeds are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. They contain calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and essential vitamins like B1 and E, which contribute to overall health and well-being.
• Good for digestion: Sesame seeds are rich in dietary fibre, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut.
• Heart-healthy: Sesame seeds are a good source of healthy fats, which help maintain heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Boosts energy: Jaggery, an essential ingredient in til ke laddus, is a natural sweetener that provides instant energy and helps combat fatigue.
• Bone health: The high calcium and phosphorus content in sesame seeds helps in maintaining and strengthening bones.

2. When should you eat sesame laddus?

Til ke laddus can be enjoyed as a healthy snack or dessert at any time of the day. They are particularly beneficial during winter months as they provide warmth and energy to the body. But, since they are sweet, consult your doctor and eat them in moderation. You can tweak the sweetness in your sesame laddu recipe if needed.

3. Can you eat til ke laddus during a fast?

It depends on the specific fasting rules you follow. In some fasting practices, consuming sesame laddus is allowed, while in others, it may not be permitted. Check with elders in your family to see if sesame laddu fits your fasting plan.

4. What happens if you eat sesame seeds on an empty stomach in the morning?

Eating sesame seeds on an empty stomach in the morning can provide various health benefits, such as improved digestion, increased energy levels, and a boost in essential nutrients. However, eating them in moderation is crucial, as excessive consumption can lead to digestive discomfort or allergies in some individuals.

5. Do white sesame laddus increase weight?

White sesame seeds are calorie-dense and contain healthy fats, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excessive amounts. However, when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, sesame seeds can provide essential nutrients without causing significant weight gain.