5 Variations of the most popular Laddu recipe
Love for something sweet is a penchant with every Indian and no matter what our ethnicity is, our common love for sweets and desserts forms a bond that is unbreakable. Be it rabri, rasgulla or even the overly pampered laddus, sweets are found in every part of the country. But, the laddus are devoured and appreciated by all. In fact, many religious rites are incomplete without a platter of laddus placed in front of the deity. But, the start of laddus is not as sweets rather it had a medicinal upbringing with ancient doctors of India using balls made of sesame and jaggery to hide the actual medication and methi ke laddu (fenugreek laddu) were fed to girls to help regulate their hormones during mensuration and pregnancy.
Popular laddu variations
No matter which corner of the country you visit, you will find a variation of laddu as the Laddu recipe calls for a versatility that no other sweet offers. The basic recipe calls for gram flour, sugar and ghee and all these three ingredients are replaceable with healthier options. This versatility along with the simplicity and easy cooking time makes this Sweet Dish not only a festive favorite but also a daily affair for some. While the besan ke laddu is perhaps the oldest and traditional Laddu recipe there are other variations that keeps in mind the region, occasion and dietary requirements. Here are 5 variations of the laddu:
- Coconut laddu is, as the name suggests, made out of coconut and sugar which is fried in ghee and then rolled in balls. The sugar can be replaced by jaggery. This Sweet Dish is not only healthy thanks to coconut, ghee (which actually helps in digestion and metabolism) and jaggery (stronger bones) but replacing ghee with coconut milk in smaller amounts to get the right lumpy consistency.
- Chocolate laddu is also gaining popularity especially amongst kids. This Laddu recipe just incorporates cocoa or chocolate syrup along with flour, sugar and fat.
- Another Laddu recipe that is easy to make and is traditional in South India and West India is the rava laddu. This is made of semolina and jaggery along with ghee and dried fruits. Not only is this dish tasty but a great healthy option for people looking to add more fiber in their diet.
- A popular laddu of West Bengal is moa or flat rice laddu made of flat rice (poha/chewra) along with jaggery and ghee. This is a winter favorite of the sweet loving Bengalis.
- A filling and healthy Laddu recipe is badam ke laddu that incorporates the goodness of almonds, raisins and ghee. Not only you are recharged but you feel full having just one laddu.
Why is laddu so popular?
No matter which part, no matter which festival, laddus hold a special place and one wonders why. The reasons is simple, not only you take a common dish and add flavors of your region but the nutritional value of laddus are high given you are using high quality products. You can also go all vegan and sugar free. This option of customization and easy storage makes laddus popular. Making a large batch and keeping them in airtight jars was a norm of ancient India so that guests can always be offered something sweet.
No matter what your preferences are, you are bound to find a laddu that suits your taste buds through various laddu recipes found online. If you are not a fan of sweets or crave something savory, then you have Ram laddus to the rescue. These chaat is made of pakodas made of mixing two dal (moong and chana) which is then served with spices and chutneys. How is that for variety!
