Gond Katira Recipe- Dry Fruit & Nut Laddoo- Traditional Indian Sweet

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Gond Katira Recipe – Dry Fruit & Nut Laddoo – Traditional Indian Sweet

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s packed with goodness and has a lovely, comforting flavour, you have to try this Gond Katira recipe. These laddoos (or energy balls!) are a traditional Indian sweet, especially popular during winter months, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. I remember my grandmother making these every Makar Sankranti – the aroma would fill the whole house! Let’s get started, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just any laddoos. Gond Katira laddoos are known for their incredible health benefits, especially for women. They’re energy-boosting, warming, and just plain delicious. Plus, the combination of dry fruits and nuts makes them a truly satisfying treat. They’re perfect for a festive occasion, a cozy afternoon tea, or just when you need a little pick-me-up.

Ingredients

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

• ?? cup Ghee (clarified butter)
• ?? cup Edible Gum (Gond Katira)
• ?? cup Almonds
• ?? cup Cashews
• 2 tbsp Pistachios
• ?? cup Figs
• 2 tbsp Raisins
• 2 tbsp Pumpkin Seeds
• 1 cup Dry Coconut (grated)
• 2 tbsp Poppy Seeds (khus khus)
• 2 tsp Ghee
• 5 Dry Dates, chopped
• 1 cup Jaggery (gur)
• ?? cup Water
• ?? tsp Nutmeg Powder
• ?? tsp Cardamom Powder

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little notes to help you get the best results:

• Gond Katira: This is the star! Gond Katira is known in Ayurveda for its warming properties and is believed to be beneficial for strength and stamina. It looks like tiny, clear pebbles and expands beautifully when roasted.
• Jaggery: I prefer using dark jaggery for a richer flavour, but you can use any type you like – even golden jaggery for a lighter taste. Jaggery is unrefined sugar, making it a healthier alternative to refined sugar.
• Dry Fruits: Feel free to get creative with your dry fruits! Walnuts, apricots, or even cranberries would be lovely additions. Traditionally, the dry fruit mix varies by region, so use what your family loves.
• Ghee: Ghee is essential for that authentic flavour and texture. It also has amazing health benefits according to Ayurveda. Don’t skimp on the quality here!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, heat ?? cup of ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the edible gum (gond katira) and roast it until it puffs up and turns golden brown. This takes a bit of patience, but it’s important to get it nice and crispy. Once roasted, set it aside.
2. In the same ghee, add the almonds, cashews, pistachios, figs, raisins, and pumpkin seeds. Roast them until they’re crisp and fragrant. Keep an eye on them – nuts burn easily! Transfer the roasted nuts and seeds to a bowl.
3. Now, dry roast the grated dry coconut until it’s aromatic and slightly browned. Add it to the nut mixture.
4. Next, roast the poppy seeds until they start to pop. This happens quickly, so stay close! Add them to the bowl with the other roasted ingredients.
5. Heat 2 tsp of ghee in a kadai (or a deep pan). Add the chopped dry dates and roast them until fragrant.
6. Add the jaggery and water to the kadai. Bring it to a boil and cook until the syrup reaches the soft-ball consistency. (More on that in the tips section!)
7. Pour the jaggery syrup over the roasted dry fruit mixture. Add a pinch of nutmeg powder and cardamom powder. Mix everything really well until everything is nicely coated.
8. Grease a mould (you can use a small steel bowl or a silicone mould) with ghee and line it with baking paper. Press the mixture firmly into the mould.
9. Let it set for about 30 minutes. Then, carefully cut it into pieces and serve! Store the laddoos in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make these laddoos perfect every time:

• Soft-Ball Consistency: To check if the jaggery syrup has reached the soft-ball consistency, drop a tiny bit of the syrup into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a soft ball that you can easily shape with your fingers, it’s ready!
• Too Hard or Too Soft: If your laddoos are too hard, you’ve probably cooked the jaggery syrup for too long. If they’re too soft, you haven’t cooked it enough.
• Even Roasting: Make sure to roast all the ingredients evenly. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Variations

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

• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the ghee with coconut oil or any other vegan-friendly oil.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add a pinch of ginger powder or a dash of saffron for a warming spice kick. My friend loves adding a tiny bit of black pepper!
• Festival Adaptations: These laddoos are especially popular during Makar Sankranti and Lohri. You can add sesame seeds (til) to the mixture for a Makar Sankranti twist.

Serving Suggestions

These laddoos are delicious on their own with a glass of warm milk or a cup of chai. They also make a lovely addition to a festive platter.

Storage Instructions

Store these laddoos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They actually taste even better after a day or two, as the flavours meld together!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What are the health benefits of Gond Katira? Gond Katira is believed to be beneficial for energy levels, stamina, and women’s health. It’s also a good source of fibre.

Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of jaggery? You can try using honey or maple syrup, but the flavour and texture will be different. Jaggery gives these laddoos their unique taste.

What is the best way to roast the gond without burning it? Roast the gond on medium-low heat and stir frequently. It will puff up and turn golden brown – that’s when you know it’s ready.

Can I add other nuts and seeds to this recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, or any other nuts and seeds you like.

How long do these laddoos stay fresh? They stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Is Gond Katira safe for everyone to consume? While generally safe, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Enjoy making these delicious and healthy Gond Katira laddoos! I hope they bring a little bit of warmth and sweetness to your day. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below!