Dry Fruits Laddu

Are you looking for a healthy and delicious snack to satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further! In this post, we'll be sharing a fantastic recipe for dry fruits laddu that you can easily make at home. Packed with the goodness of dried figs, apricots, walnuts, and almonds, these laddus are not only a delightful treat but also a nutritious snack option. Let's dive into the recipe and discover how to make these delectable dry fruit balls.

What Is Dry Fruits Laddu?

• Dry fruits laddu is a delicious and nutritious Indian sweet treat made from a combination of succulent pitted dates, dried figs, dried apricots, honey, walnuts, almonds, and powdered almond. This delightful recipe brings together the natural sweetness of the fruits with the crunchy texture of the nuts, perfectly seasoned with the aromatic flavors of Indian spices.
• The richness of the dry fruits, the earthy nuttiness of the almonds and walnuts, and the sweetness of the honey create a harmonious blend of flavors that is both satisfying and wholesome. These laddus make for a perfect guilt-free dessert or snack, packed with essential nutrients and energy that make them an ideal choice for a quick bite or a post-meal treat.

Why You'll Love Dry Fruits Laddu?

• Satisfying Texture: The blend of chopped dates, figs, apricots, walnuts, and almonds in the dry fruits laddu creates a satisfying texture that is both chewy and crunchy, making it a delightful treat for your taste buds.
• Nutrient-Packed: Packed with the natural goodness of dried fruits and nuts, these laddus are a rich source of essential nutrients, including fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats, making them a wholesome snack option.
• Energy Boost: The natural sugars in the dried fruits and the healthy fats in the nuts provide a quick energy boost, making these laddus a great choice for a mid-day pick-me-up or a pre-workout snack.
• Digestive Health: Dried fruits are renowned for their digestive benefits, and when combined with nuts, they form a laddu that aids in digestion and promotes gut health.
• Heart-Healthy: With the presence of heart-healthy fats from almonds and walnuts, these laddus can contribute to a healthy heart and overall well-being when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
• Immunity Booster: Thanks to the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants present in the ingredients, dry fruits laddu can aid in boosting the immune system and protecting the body from illnesses.

Ingredients for Dry Fruits Laddu

• Pitted dates: Dates add natural sweetness and a chewy texture to the laddu, making them a key ingredient in binding the mixture together.
• Dried fig: Dried figs contribute a rich, sweet flavor and a soft, slightly grainy texture to the laddu, enhancing its overall taste and texture.
• Dried apricot: Dried apricots offer a tangy sweetness and a slightly chewy texture, adding depth of flavor to the laddu.
• Honey: Honey acts as a natural sweetener and binder, bringing all the ingredients together and providing a subtle, floral sweetness to the laddu.
• Walnuts: Toasted walnuts provide a rich, nutty flavor and a crunchy texture, adding depth and a delightful crunch to the laddu.
• Almonds: Almonds contribute a nutty flavor and a slightly crunchy texture, enhancing the overall taste and providing a satisfying crunch to the laddu.

How To Make Dry Fruits Laddu?

To make delicious dry fruits laddu, follow these steps:

• Toast the nuts in the microwave on high for about 1 to 2 mins until a nice aroma comes out. This step is important as it enhances the flavor of the nuts and adds a delightful crunch to the laddu.
• Chop the toasted nuts roughly to add texture to the laddu.
• Place the chopped dates, figs, apricots, walnuts, and almonds in a food processor and pulse until finely minced. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth and uniform texture in the laddu.
• Add honey to the minced dry fruits and nuts to bind the ingredients together. The honey not only acts as a natural sweetener but also helps in holding the laddu mixture together.
• Shape the mixture into small-sized balls using the palms of your hands. This step allows you to create perfectly round and uniform laddu.
• Finally, roll the balls in the powdered almond for an extra layer of nuttiness and keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Storing the laddu in the refrigerator helps in enhancing the flavors and keeping them fresh for a longer period.

By following these steps, you can create healthy and delicious dry fruits laddu that are ready to eat anytime. Enjoy the nutritious and flavorful treat!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a warm cup of chai: Enjoy your dry fruits laddu with a hot cup of chai for a delightful tea time snack.
• Serve with yogurt: These laddus can be served with a side of yogurt for a balanced and fulfilling breakfast or light meal.
• Accompany with fresh fruit: Pair your dry fruits laddu with some fresh fruit slices for a refreshing and healthy snack option.
• Enjoy with a glass of milk: These laddus can be enjoyed as a sweet treat with a glass of milk for a wholesome and satisfying dessert.
• Serve with a scoop of ice cream: For a decadent dessert option, pair your dry fruits laddu with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful indulgence.
• Great as a post-workout snack: These laddus make for a perfect post-workout snack when paired with a protein shake or smoothie for an energy boost.

Tips for Making Delicious Dry Fruits Laddu

Furthermore, I would like to share some of my suggestions for making perfect dry fruit balls.

• Firstly, Toast the nuts in microwave on high for about 1 to 2 mins until nice aroma comes or in the oven (180 degrees C) for about 8 to 10 mins or until fragrant.
• Cooking Techniques: Using a food processor to mince the dates, figs, apricots, walnuts, and almonds makes the process quick and efficient. Pulse them until finely minced for the perfect consistency.
• Importance of Garnishing: Rolling the laddu balls in powdered almond not only adds a delicious nutty flavor but also makes them look appealing. Presentation is key when serving any dish, including dry fruits laddu.
• Finally, if you don’t have the almond powder, then blanch 30g of almonds then remove the skin. And dry completely and then powder it in the blender or in the mixie until coarsely. Dry the almonds completely before processing otherwise the water will make it into butter.

Variations for Dry Fruits Laddu

• Nut-Free Option: For those with nut allergies, you can replace the walnuts and almonds with seeds like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds for a nut-free version of dry fruits laddu.
• Coconut Flakes Addition: If you love the flavor of coconut, you can add a handful of coconut flakes to the mixture for a delicious tropical twist.
• Cocoa Powder Infusion: To satisfy your chocolate cravings, mix in a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder for a decadent chocolatey flavor.
• Dried Cranberry Inclusion: For a tart and sweet flavor, add some dried cranberries to the mixture to enhance the taste and texture of the laddu.
• Spices for Aromatic Touch: Experiment with adding a pinch of ground cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg to infuse the laddu with warm and aromatic flavors.
• Sesame Seeds Garnish: Sprinkle some sesame seeds on the laddu for a nutty crunch and a boost of nutrients.

How to Store Dry Fruits Laddu

When it comes to storing your delicious dry fruits laddu, it's important to follow these simple storage tricks to maintain their freshness and taste.

• Keep in an airtight container: Store your dry fruits laddu in an airtight container to preserve their flavor and texture.
• Refrigerate for longer shelf life: Storing the laddu in the refrigerator helps to keep them fresh for a longer period of time.
• Avoid moisture: Make sure to keep the laddu away from any moisture, as it can cause them to become soggy and lose their quality.
• Use dry and clean hands: When handling the laddu, always use clean and dry hands to prevent any contamination.
• Check for freshness: Periodically check the laddu for any signs of spoilage or loss of freshness, and discard if necessary.
• Keep away from direct sunlight: Store the laddu in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their quality.

By following these simple storage tips, you can ensure that your dry fruits laddu remain delicious and fresh for as long as possible. Enjoy your healthy and tasty snack anytime!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I adjust the sweetness of the dry fruits laddu?

• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add more honey to the mixture. On the other hand, if you want to reduce the sweetness, you can use less honey or opt for a sugar-free sweetener to bind the ingredients together.

Can I use different types of nuts in the dry fruits laddu?

• Yes, you can definitely customize the laddu by using your favorite nuts such as cashews, pistachios, or even seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. Just make sure to toast and chop them before adding them to the mixture.

How long can I store the dry fruits laddu?

• These laddus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to keep them away from moisture to maintain their freshness.

Can I skip the step of rolling the laddu in the powdered almonds?

• Yes, rolling the laddu in powdered almonds is optional. It adds a nice coating and a crunchy texture, but if you prefer a simpler version, you can skip this step.

Can I make these laddus without a food processor?

• If you don't have a food processor, you can finely chop the dry fruits and nuts using a knife. It may take a bit more time and effort, but it can be done.

Are these dry fruits laddu suitable for kids?

• Yes, these laddus make a great healthy snack for kids. Just make sure to chop the nuts into small pieces to prevent any choking hazards. Due to the natural sweetness of the fruits, it's a tasty and nutritious treat for children.

Recipe Card

Dry Fruits Laddu

Dry Fruits Laddu 2017-04-02 07:41:09

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Serving Size: 10-12 laddus

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried fig, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried apricot, chopped
• Honey as needed
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 30 grams (1/4 cup) powdered almond          

Instructions

• Toast the nuts in microwave on high for about 1 to 2 mins until nice aroma comes.
• Then chop them roughly.
• Place the chopped dates, figs, apricots, walnuts and almonds in food processor and pulse until finely minced.
• Then add honey to bind the ingredients together.
• Then shape the mixture into small sized balls by using the palms of your hands.
• Finally roll the balls in the powdered almond and keep it in the air tight container and store it in refrigerator.
• Healthy dry fruit balls are ready to eat.         

By Santhi Therese    The Indian Claypot

https://theindianclaypot.com/