On this Independence Day, let's celebrate the culinary heritage of India by exploring 15 varieties of our beloved Laddu, which are a testimony to the dietary and geographical diversity of our country and its resilient traditions.
1. Methi Laddu
2. Dry Fruit Laddu
3. Sonth ke Laddu
Sonth ke laddu, or dry ginger powder laddu, is a traditional nutritious recipe made especially for new mothers during the winter season. Sonth ke laddu is made in different ways using whole wheat flour or atta, jaggery, dry fruits etc. It's a healthy recipe from grandma's kitchen with so many health benefits due to the addition of nutritious ginger. Known as universal medicine in Ayurveda, ginger is also known to promote lactation in new mothers.
Ginger powder
4. Til Laddu
Til ke laddu or til laddu or Sesame laddu or nuvvula laddu is a traditional Indian snack especially made during festivals like Makar Sankranti. Simple Til laddu is made up of sesame seeds, ghee, jaggery and spices like cardamom. Some varieties include adding dry fruits or grated coconuts. Sesame seeds are a rich source of minerals like calcium and magnesium. It is a plant-based protein source with antioxidants.
5. Gond ke Laddu
Gond ke laddu or dink ke laddu or Gond laddu or pini is a popular Laddu made in the North and Western parts of India. The addition of edible gum from the Gum Arabica tree or babul or babool or kikar, called gond and dink in regional languages makes it a unique recipe. These laddus, though enjoyed by people of all ages, are specifically made by mothers and grandmothers for their daughters-in-law as a postpartum recovery recipe. The gondh ke laddoo also contains nutritious ingredients like nuts, dates, ghee, jaggery and spices. The base is whole wheat flour. This gond atte ke laddu is eaten throughout the year, but it's a must-have in winter due to the warmth it offers. Antina unde from Karnataka is a type of gond laddu, but it uses dried coconut (copra) instead of flour.
6. Kamarkas Laddu
Karmarkus laddu is made from kamarkas, the resin of the Palash tree, also known by the name flame of the forest. It is a traditional snack from the Punjab and Sindh region of the Indian subcontinent. Kamarkas is an ingredient known for its health benefits in Ayurveda. Kamarkas laddu is made from kamarkas, wheat flour, jaggery, ghee, and spices.
Palash Tree
7. Millet Laddu
Millet laddu or mixed millet laddu or ragi and bajra laddu are made from Nuts, Seeds, Ragi (Finger millets), Bajra (Pearl millets) and dates. These laddus are known for their health benefits and are traditionally made in the Deccan region. Ragi laddu, bajra laddu and foxtail millet laddu are also popular.
8. Chaulai ke laddu
Chaulai ke laddu or Rajgira laddu are made from amaranth seeds, melted jaggery and ghee. It is a traditional North Indian Laddu especially made as a fasting food. The Rajgira laddu or Chaulai ke laddu are known for their health benefits and as a warming treat in winter. Amaranth has a high protein content of about 14g per 100g which is higher than rice and wheat of the same amount.
Amaranth seeds
9. Alsi ke Laddu
Alsi ke laddu or flax seed ladoo, is a nutritious laddu made from flax seeds, jaggery and ghee. Additionally, flax seed ladoo or pinni is also made with dry fruits and edible gum. Flax seeds are a highly nutritious ingredient which is high in protein and dietary fibre. These ladoos are prepared as a traditional winter delicacy.
Flax seeds
10. Peanut Laddu
Peanut Laddu or groundnut Laddu, or Shengdana Ladoo is made from powdered roasted peanuts and melted jaggery. Just 2 ingredients make a wholesome protein ball, but with extra additions like dry fruits, spices, etc, you can make it more healthy. This is another snack generally made during festivals.
11. Mahua Laddu
Mahua laddu is made from mahua flowers and jaggery and sometimes nuts are also added. The mahua or Madhuca Longifolia hold a lot of cultural and culinary significance, especially for tribals in India. Mahua flowers are Known for their traditional health benefits. The geographically mahua trees are found in the South, Central and Northern parts of India.
Mahua Tree
12. Sattu Laddu
Sattu is India's protein powder and has been used as travel food and in army provisions since ancient times. The sattu powder is made from roasted whole Bengal gram and is hence different from besan. Sattu laddu is made by mixing flour and jaggery, and extra ingredients like ghee, nuts, etc., are added as per the dietary preferences.
13. Temple Laddus
laddus are part of offering many famous temples in India. The most famous among them is the Tirupati laddu made from besan. The other famous temple Laddu includes coconut Laddu from Maa Tarini Temple in Ghatgaon and fox tail Laddu from Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur. The Magji Ladoo from Odisha is part of the “chappan bhog,” which includes 56 food offerings made at Puri Jagannath Temple. These laddu are also made during festivals and hold cultural significance for Odisha.
Tirupati Laddu
14. Niger Seed Laddu
Traditional Niger seed laddu is made with just 3 Ingredients including Niger seeds, jaggery and dates. The Niger seed is locally called by different names like Ramtil, jagni, jatangi, Karale, Uhechellu or gurellu, payellu etc. The Niger seed laddu is usually made from ground-roasted Niger seeds. The Niger seeds are well known and used in Ayurveda due to its health benefits.
Niger seeds
15. Dates Laddu
Traditional Dates laddu or khajur laddu or dates dry fruit laddu is made from just 4 ingredients, including dates, cashews, almonds and grated dry coconut. The poppy seeds are also sometimes used instead of coconut. The dates are well known for their health benefits and it has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar.
