Gond laddu are a popular and nutritious sweet made in India, particularly during the winter months. These laddus are not only delicious, but they also have several health benefits. Let’s look at the detailed recipe for gond laddu and their benefits.
Gond Laddu Ingredients
| To make approximately 20 laddus, you will need- |
|---|
| Gond (edible gum) – 1 cup |
| Wheat flour – 2 cups |
| Ghee (clarified butter) – 1 cup |
| Powdered sugar or jaggery – 1.5 cups |
| Dry fruits (almonds, cashews, raisins, etc.) – ½ cup (finely chopped) |
| Cardamom powder – 1 teaspoon |
| Grated coconut – ½ cup (optional) |
| Poppy seeds (khus khus) – 2 tablespoons (optional) |
Gond Laddus Recipe Step By Step
1. Roasting the Gond –
– Heat 1/2 cup ghee in a deep pan or kadhai.
– Combine small pieces of gond (edible gum) with the hot ghee. Fry them over medium heat until they puff up and become crispy.
– Remove the fried gond and allow to cool. Crush them coarsely using your hands or a grinder.
2. Roasting the Wheat Flour –
– In the same pan, combine the remaining ghee.
– Add the wheat flour and roast over low to medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
– Roast until the flour turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. This step may take 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Preparing the Dry Fruits and Coconut (Optional) –
– Dry roast the chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, etc.) in a separate pan. Set aside.
– If using grated coconut or poppy seeds, lightly roast them to enhance the flavor.
4. Mixing the Ingredients –
Once the roasted flour cools slightly, add the crushed gond, roasted dry fruits, grated coconut, and cardamom powder. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Adding Sweetener –
– If using powdered sugar, add it after the mixture has cooled to a lukewarm temperature.
– If using jaggery, first melt it in a small amount of water or ghee before adding it to the mixture.
6. Shaping the Laddus –
– While the mixture is still warm, shape small portions into round laddus with your hands.
– If the mixture feels too dry, add a small amount of melted ghee to help it bind.
7. Storing the Laddus –
Let the laddus cool completely. Store them in an airtight container. These laddus can stay fresh for 2–3 weeks at room temperature.
Health Benefits of Gond Laddu
1. Boosts Immunity-
Gond’s high nutrient content strengthens the immune system, making it especially beneficial during winter months when immunity may be low.
2. Provides Warmth and Energy-
Gond laddus are a great source of energy and warmth, especially in cold weather. They help to combat lethargy and provide consistent energy throughout the day.
3. Beneficial for Bone Health-
Edible gum has properties that promote bone health. These laddus are especially recommended for postpartum women and the elderly to help strengthen their bones and joints.
4. Promotes postpartum recovery-
Gond laddus are a traditional postpartum food. They help new mothers regain strength, improve lactation, and provide critical nutrients for recovery.
5. Digestive- The combination of roasted wheat flour and ghee promotes healthy digestion. Dry fruits and cardamom help to soothe the digestive system.
6. Improves Skin and Hair Health-
Gond’s collagen-boosting properties support healthy skin and hair. Regular consumption can help to prevent dryness and improve skin elasticity.
7. Reduces Fatigue and Weakness-
Gond laddus’ high calorie content and nutrient density prevent fatigue and promotes physical activity.
8. Balances Hormones-
These laddus can help women maintain hormonal balance, particularly during postpartum and menstrual cycles.
9. Nutritious-
Gond laddus’ dry fruits contain vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, making it a nutritious snack.
10. Beneficial for Kids and Elders-
Gond laddu are a nutritious option for children, adults, and the elderly to support their health and energy levels.
Gond Laddu –
This traditional Indian sweet is not only a winter treat, but it also has powerful health benefits for people of all ages. Gond laddus are an excellent choice for keeping warm, recovering after childbirth, or simply enjoying a nutritious snack.
Enjoy these laddus with a warm glass of milk or as a stand-alone snack for a boost of goodness and energy.