Peanut Laddus Recipe – Authentic Jaggery & Ghee Sweet

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Peanut Laddus Recipe – Authentic Jaggery & Ghee Sweet

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make, you’ve come to the right place. These Peanut Laddus (also known as Shengdana Laddu) are a classic Indian sweet, and honestly, they were one of the first things I learned to make with my grandmother. They’re perfect for festivals, celebrations, or just a little something sweet with your evening chai. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just any laddus. They’re packed with the nutty goodness of roasted peanuts, beautifully balanced by the caramel-like sweetness of jaggery, and finished with a touch of fragrant cardamom. Plus, they come together in just about 10 minutes – seriously! They’re naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan too (more on that later!). You’ll love how satisfyingly simple and utterly delicious these little bites are.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Peanut Laddus:

• 1.5 cups Peeled Roasted Peanuts (approximately 150g)
• 0.5 – 0.75 cup Crushed Jaggery (approximately 100-150g), adjust to your sweetness preference
• 0.5 teaspoon Cardamom Powder (approximately 2.5g)
• 1.5 tablespoon Pure Ghee (approximately 22ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will make all the difference.

Roasted Peanuts: Selecting & Roasting for Best Flavor

Using already roasted peanuts is key here – it saves a ton of time. Make sure they’re peeled, too! If you’re buying them, check for freshness. They should smell nutty and not stale. If you want to roast them yourself, spread raw peanuts on a baking sheet and roast at 175°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant. Let them cool completely before using.

Jaggery: Types & Impact on Laddoo Texture

Jaggery is unrefined cane sugar, and it gives these laddus a beautiful, complex sweetness. You can find it in different forms – blocks, powder, or grated. I prefer using grated jaggery as it mixes easily. Darker jaggery has a stronger molasses-like flavor. The amount of jaggery you use will affect how soft or firm your laddus are, so start with 0.5 cup and add more to taste.

Cardamom: Freshly Ground vs. Store-Bought

Freshly ground cardamom is always best! It has a much more vibrant aroma. If you have whole cardamom pods, lightly crush them and grind them in a spice grinder. Store-bought cardamom powder works in a pinch, but try to use it within a few months for the best flavor.

Ghee: Clarified Butter – Quality & Alternatives

Ghee adds a lovely richness and helps bind the laddus together. Use good quality ghee for the best taste. If you don’t have ghee, you can use melted butter, but ghee imparts a more authentic flavor. For a vegan option, see the variations section below!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some laddus!

1. First, add the roasted peanuts and crushed jaggery to a mixer or food processor.
2. Pulse it 2-3 times. You want a coarsely crushed mixture, not a smooth paste. Over-grinding will release the oils and make the laddus oily.
3. Transfer the mixture to a plate. Now, add the cardamom powder and ghee.
4. Time to get your hands dirty! Mix everything together really well with your hands. This is the best way to ensure everything is evenly combined.
5. Keep mixing until the mixture starts to bind together. If it feels too dry, add a little more ghee, a teaspoon at a time.
6. Once it comes together, start shaping the mixture into small, bite-sized laddus. Roll them between your palms to form round balls.
7. And that’s it! Your Peanut Laddus are ready.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make the perfect laddus:

Achieving the Perfect Laddoo Shape

Don’t worry about making them perfectly round! A slightly rustic look is perfectly charming. If the mixture is sticking to your palms, lightly grease your hands with a tiny bit of ghee.

Preventing Oiliness in Peanut Laddus

The biggest culprit for oily laddus is over-grinding the peanuts. Pulse, pulse, pulse – and stop! You want texture, not a smooth butter.

Adjusting Sweetness Levels

Jaggery sweetness varies. Start with 0.5 cup and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Peanut Laddus

Simply substitute the ghee with an equal amount of coconut oil. It will give a slightly different flavor, but it’s still delicious!

Gluten-Free Adaptations

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your cardamom powder hasn’t been processed in a facility that also handles gluten.

Spice Level Adjustments (Adding a Hint of Spice)

My friend loves adding a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. It’s surprisingly good!

Festival Adaptations (Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi)

These are perfect for Diwali or Ganesh Chaturthi. You can even add a few chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds for extra festive flair.

Serving Suggestions

These Peanut Laddus are wonderful on their own, with a glass of milk, or alongside a cup of hot chai. They’re also a lovely addition to any Indian sweets platter.

Storage Instructions

Store the laddus in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a month (if they last that long!).

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

How do I know if the jaggery is fresh?

Fresh jaggery should be firm and have a rich, caramel-like aroma. If it’s very hard or smells stale, it might be old.

Can I use peanut butter instead of roasted peanuts?

While you can use peanut butter, it won’t have the same texture. The laddus will be softer and more fudge-like.

What if my laddus are crumbling and not binding?

Add a little more ghee, one teaspoon at a time, and mix well. Sometimes, the jaggery isn’t sticky enough, and the ghee helps bring it all together.

Can these laddus be made ahead of time for a celebration?

Absolutely! They actually taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together.

How does the type of ghee affect the taste and shelf life?

Good quality ghee has a richer, more fragrant flavor and a longer shelf life. Homemade ghee is fantastic if you have the time!

Enjoy making these Peanut Laddus! I hope they bring a little sweetness to your day. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below!