Authentic Puffed Rice Laddu Recipe – Jaggery & Coconut Festive Treat

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Puffed Rice Laddu Recipe – Jaggery & Coconut Festive Treat

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s incredibly close to my heart – Puffed Rice Laddu. These aren’t just sweets; they’re little bundles of tradition, especially during festivals. I remember helping my grandmother make these as a kid, and the aroma of jaggery melting always filled the house with such warmth. It’s a recipe I’ve carried with me, tweaking it slightly over the years, and now I’m so excited to share my version with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These laddoos are wonderfully easy to make, needing just a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes of your time. They’re naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan! But beyond that, they’re just delicious – the perfect balance of sweet, crunchy, and subtly fragrant. Plus, they’re a beautiful offering for any puja or celebration.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful laddoos:

• 2 cup Puffed Rice (Murmura)
• ?? cup Jaggery
• ??- cup Roasted Chana Dal (Split Chickpea Lentils)
• 2 ?? tablespoon Coconut pieces
• 1 no Cardamom
• ??” cup Water
• 1 teaspoon Ghee (Clarified Butter)

Ingredient Notes

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

Jaggery: Types and Regional Variations

Jaggery is the star here! It gives these laddoos a beautiful, earthy sweetness that sugar just can’t replicate. You can use any type – dark jaggery has a stronger flavour, while golden jaggery is milder. I personally prefer the dark variety for a more robust taste. (Approximately 150-200g)

Roasted Chana Dal: Benefits and Substitutions

Roasted chana dal adds a lovely nutty flavour and a bit of binding. You can find it easily in Indian grocery stores. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with roasted peanuts, though the flavour will be slightly different. (Around 50-75g)

Puffed Rice: Choosing the Right Kind

Use the plain, unsweetened puffed rice. You want it to be light and airy, not dense. Check the package to make sure it doesn’t have any added salt or sugar. (About 150g)

Ghee: Clarified Butter – Flavor and Tradition

Ghee adds a richness and aroma that’s essential to Indian sweets. It also helps bind the laddoos. You can use unsalted butter if you don’t have ghee, but the flavour won’t be quite the same. (Around 15ml)

Cardamom: The Queen of Spices

Just one cardamom pod is enough to infuse these laddoos with its beautiful fragrance. Don’t skimp on this – it really elevates the flavour!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, melt the jaggery in ??” cup water in a pan. Let it simmer gently, and strain it to remove any impurities. Set this jaggery syrup aside.
2. Next, heat ?? tsp ghee in a separate pan. Add the coconut pieces and fry for about 3 minutes, until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!
3. Pour the jaggery syrup into the pan with the fried coconut. Now, cook this mixture until it reaches the soft-ball stage. This takes about 6 minutes. To test, drop a tiny bit of the syrup into a bowl of cold water – it should form a soft, pliable ball.
4. Once you’ve reached the soft-ball stage, remove the pan from the heat. Add the cardamom powder, roasted chana dal, and puffed rice. Mix everything really well, ensuring the puffed rice is evenly coated with the jaggery mixture.
5. Grease your hands with the remaining ghee. This is important – it prevents the mixture from sticking to your palms. While the mixture is still warm, shape it into small, lime-sized balls.
6. Finally, serve these laddoos after offering them in rituals or simply enjoy them as a festive snack!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the jaggery syrup: Overcooking will make the laddoos hard.
• Work quickly: The mixture sets fast, so shape the laddoos while it’s still warm.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweet laddoos, reduce the amount of jaggery slightly.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply substitute the ghee with coconut oil or any other vegan butter alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your puffed rice is certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a tiny bit of ginger powder for a warmer flavour.
• Festival Adaptations: For Diwali, you can add a few strands of saffron to the jaggery syrup for a touch of luxury. During Ganesh Chaturthi, these laddoos are a popular offering to Lord Ganesha.

Serving Suggestions

These laddoos are perfect on their own with a cup of chai. They also make a lovely addition to a festive platter alongside other Indian sweets.

Storage Instructions

Store the laddoos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They tend to get a little harder over time, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh!

FAQs

What is the best way to check for the soft-ball stage of the jaggery syrup?

The water test is the most reliable! Drop a tiny bit of the syrup into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball that you can easily shape, it’s ready.

Can I use sugar instead of jaggery in this recipe? What adjustments should I make?

You can, but the flavour will be different. Sugar doesn’t have the same depth as jaggery. You’ll likely need to add a tablespoon of water along with the sugar to help it dissolve.

How can I prevent the laddoos from becoming too sticky?

Greasing your hands with ghee is key! Also, make sure you don’t overcook the jaggery syrup.

What is the significance of offering these laddoos in rituals?

Laddoos are considered auspicious in Hinduism and are often offered to deities during prayers and festivals. They symbolize prosperity and good fortune.

Can I add any nuts or seeds to this recipe? Which ones would complement the flavors?

Absolutely! Cashews, almonds, or sesame seeds would all be delicious additions. Add about ¼ cup of chopped nuts or seeds along with the puffed rice.

Enjoy making these laddoos, and I hope they bring a little sweetness and joy to your home! Let me know how they turn out in the comments below.