Authentic Sesame Jaggery Balls Recipe – Til Laddu with Peanuts & Cashews

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Sesame Jaggery Balls Recipe – Til Laddu with Peanuts & Cashews

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s packed with flavor and tradition, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I’m sharing my family’s recipe for Til Laddu – those delightful sesame jaggery balls that are especially popular during Makar Sankranti and Lohri. I first made these with my grandmother, and the smell instantly transports me back to those cozy winter afternoons. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and honestly, so rewarding!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Til Laddu aren’t just delicious; they’re a little piece of Indian culture. They’re warm, comforting, and have a wonderful nutty sweetness. Plus, sesame seeds are incredibly good for you! This recipe balances the earthy sesame with the rich sweetness of jaggery and the satisfying crunch of peanuts and cashews. It’s a perfect treat to make with family, or to gift to friends.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing Til Laddu:

• ½ cup white sesame seeds
• ½ cup black sesame seeds
• 1 cup jaggery
• ½ cup water
• 2 tbsp roasted & crushed peanuts
• 2 tbsp chopped cashews
• ½ tsp cardamom powder

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

White Sesame Seeds: Types & Benefits

White sesame seeds have a milder, nuttier flavor. They’re a fantastic source of calcium and are believed to generate heat in the body – perfect for those chilly winter months!

Black Sesame Seeds: Flavor Profile & Nutritional Value

Black sesame seeds have a slightly more intense, almost smoky flavor. They’re incredibly rich in antioxidants and are considered very beneficial in Ayurveda. Using a mix of both white and black sesame seeds gives the laddus a beautiful visual appeal and a complex flavor.

Jaggery: Regional Variations & Substitutes

Jaggery is unrefined cane sugar, and it gives these laddus their beautiful color and unique molasses-like flavor. You can find it in different forms – blocks, powder, or liquid. If you can’t find jaggery, you can substitute it with packed brown sugar, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. About ¾ cup of packed brown sugar would be a good substitute.

Cardamom Powder: Fresh vs. Ground & Quality

Freshly ground cardamom is always best! It has a much more vibrant aroma. If you’re using store-bought cardamom powder, make sure it’s relatively fresh – the flavor fades over time.

Peanuts & Cashews: Roasting for Enhanced Flavor

Roasting the peanuts and cashews really brings out their flavor and adds a lovely crunch. I like to roast them lightly until they’re golden brown and fragrant. You can buy pre-roasted peanuts, but lightly toasting the cashews yourself makes a big difference.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, let’s dry roast the white and black sesame seeds. Place them in a pan on low-medium heat and stir constantly until they become fragrant and slightly golden. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn them! Set them aside to cool.
2. Now, in the same pan, combine the jaggery and water. Stir on low heat until the jaggery completely dissolves.
3. Bring the jaggery syrup to a boil and let it bubble away for about 5 minutes. To check if it’s ready, drop a tiny bit of the syrup into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a firm ball, it’s perfect! If not, boil for another minute or two.
4. Turn off the heat and quickly add the roasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, chopped cashews, and cardamom powder. Give everything a good mix until it’s all well combined.
5. Let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes. It will start to thicken as it cools.
6. Grease your hands with a little ghee (clarified butter) – this prevents the mixture from sticking. Then, take a small portion and shape it into a small ball. Repeat until you’ve used up all the mixture.
7. Finally, store the Til Laddu in an airtight container once they’ve completely cooled.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when roasting the sesame seeds. Roast them in batches if necessary.
• Keep stirring the jaggery syrup constantly to prevent it from sticking and burning.
• Work quickly once you add the sesame seeds to the jaggery syrup, as the mixture will start to set quickly.

Variations

• Vegan Til Laddu Adaptation: Simply substitute the ghee with coconut oil when greasing your hands.
• Gluten-Free Confirmation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
• Spice Level Adjustment (Cardamom): If you love a stronger cardamom flavor, feel free to add a little more – up to ¾ tsp.
• Makar Sankranti & Lohri Festival Adaptations: Some families like to add a pinch of grated ginger for extra warmth during these winter festivals.

Serving Suggestions

Til Laddu are perfect as a festive treat, a sweet snack with your evening tea, or even as a small gift for friends and family. They’re lovely served alongside a glass of warm milk.

Storage Instructions

Store Til Laddu in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, but they might become a little harder.

FAQs

How do I know when the jaggery syrup has reached the right consistency?

The “firm ball test” is the best way! Drop a tiny bit of syrup into cold water. If it forms a firm, non-sticky ball, it’s ready.

Can I use powdered jaggery instead of solid jaggery?

You can, but you might need to adjust the amount of water. Start with a little less water and add more if needed.

What’s the best way to roast sesame seeds without burning them?

Low and slow is the key! Use low-medium heat and stir constantly. They should become fragrant and lightly golden, not dark brown.

Can I add other nuts or seeds to this recipe?

Absolutely! Almonds, pistachios, or even sunflower seeds would be delicious additions.

How long do Til Laddu stay fresh?

They stay fresh for about a week at room temperature in an airtight container.

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