Oats Laddoo Recipe – Anjeer & Nut Energy Bites – Traditional Indian Sweet

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Oats Laddoo Recipe – Anjeer & Nut Energy Bites – Traditional Indian Sweet

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for healthy-ish snacks that actually taste good. And let me tell you, these Oats Laddoo are a total game-changer. They’re packed with goodness, naturally sweet, and seriously addictive. I first made these when I was craving something comforting but didn’t want to reach for something overly processed. They’ve been a family favorite ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average ladoos. We’re combining the wholesome goodness of oats with the rich flavors of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. They’re perfect for a quick energy boost, a healthy dessert, or even a festive treat. Plus, they come together surprisingly easily – no complicated techniques needed! They’re a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Oats Laddoo:

• 1 cup rolled oats (approx. 150g)
• ½ cup almonds (approx. 75g)
• ½ cup cashew (approx. 75g)
• ½ cup peanut (approx. 75g)
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (approx. 15g)
• 2 tbsp sunflower seeds (approx. 15g)
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds (approx. 15g)
• ½ cup coconut, shredded (approx. 50g)
• 1 tsp ghee (approx. 5ml)
• 5 anjeer (figs), chopped
• 2 tbsp raisins (approx. 20g)
• ½ tsp cardamom powder (approx. 2.5g)
• 5 dates, pitted
• 1 cup jaggery (approx. 200g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! There’s a little bit of magic in each one:

• Rolled Oats: These are the star! They provide a lovely texture and are a fantastic source of fiber. Opt for rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) rather than instant oats for the best texture.
• Ghee: Ghee is a traditional Indian cooking fat that adds a wonderful nutty flavor. It’s also believed to have several health benefits. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores.
• Seeds: I love the combination of sesame, sunflower, and poppy seeds. They add a lovely crunch and are packed with nutrients. Feel free to experiment with other seeds like chia or flax seeds! My grandmother always added a little bit of melon seeds too.
• Jaggery & Dates: These natural sweeteners are what give these ladoos their delicious sweetness. Jaggery has a beautiful caramel-like flavor and is less processed than refined sugar. Dates add a lovely chewiness and extra sweetness.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, dry roast the rolled oats in a pan over low heat for about 5 minutes, or until they become fragrant. Keep an eye on them – you don’t want them to burn! Once cooled, grind them into a fine powder and set aside.
2. In the same pan, roast the almonds, cashews, and peanuts until they’re nice and crunchy. This usually takes around 3-5 minutes. Let them cool completely before coarsely grinding them.
3. Now, roast the sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, and shredded coconut until golden brown. This will take just a couple of minutes – stir constantly to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
4. Heat the ghee in the pan and add the chopped anjeer and raisins. Roast them until they puff up and become fragrant. This step really brings out their sweetness!
5. Combine the ground oats, roasted nuts, roasted seeds and coconut, and cardamom powder in a large bowl.
6. Next, blend the dates and jaggery into a smooth paste. You might need to add a tiny splash of water if it’s too thick.
7. Add the date-jaggery paste to the dry ingredients and mix everything together really well.
8. Keep mixing until the mixture starts to hold together. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more melted ghee.
9. Finally, shape the mixture into small ladoos (about 1 inch in diameter).
10. Store in an airtight container and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the roasting step! It really enhances the flavor of the oats, nuts, and seeds.
• Make sure everything is cooled before grinding. Warm ingredients can become sticky and difficult to work with.
• If the mixture is too crumbly, add a little more melted ghee or a tiny bit of date paste.
• If it’s too sticky, add a little more ground oats.

Variations

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

• Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based ghee or coconut oil instead of regular ghee, and swap the jaggery for maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Gluten-Free: Oats are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always best to use certified gluten-free oats if you have a sensitivity.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cardamom powder to your liking. You could also add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon.
• Festival Adaptations: These ladoos are perfect for offering during Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, or any other festive occasion. My aunt always adds a little saffron for a beautiful golden color during Diwali.

Serving Suggestions

These ladoos are delicious on their own, but you can also enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of chai. They’re a great addition to a lunchbox or a healthy snack plate.

Storage Instructions

Store the ladoos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

FAQs

1. Can I use quick-cooking oats for this recipe?

While you can, the texture won’t be quite as good. Rolled oats provide a chewier, more satisfying bite.

2. What is the best way to grind the oats to a fine powder?

A high-speed blender or a food processor works best. You might need to do it in batches.

3. Can I add other nuts or seeds to this ladoo recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with walnuts, pistachios, or any other nuts or seeds you like.

4. How long do these ladoos stay fresh?

They’ll stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature, or two weeks in the refrigerator.

5. Can I adjust the sweetness level of the ladoos?

Yes, you can! Reduce the amount of jaggery or dates if you prefer a less sweet ladoo.

6. What is the significance of ladoos in Indian culture?

Ladoos are considered auspicious and are often offered to gods and goddesses during festivals and celebrations. They symbolize prosperity and good luck!