Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Ragi Laddoo Recipe – Easy Cardamom & Cashew Indian Sweet Treats

Introduction

Okay, let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good laddoo? These little balls of goodness are just so satisfying. And this Ragi Laddoo recipe? It’s a game changer. I first made these when I was looking for healthier sweet options for my family, and honestly, they disappeared within hours! Ragi (finger millet) is a nutritional powerhouse, and combining it with the warmth of cardamom and the crunch of cashews… well, it’s pure magic. You’ll love how easy these are to make, and even more, you’ll love how good they are for you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Ragi Laddoo aren’t just delicious; they’re packed with goodness! They’re a fantastic way to sneak in some extra nutrients, especially if you have little ones who are a bit picky. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan (more on that later!). They’re perfect for a quick energy boost, a festive treat, or just a little something sweet with your evening chai.

Ingredients

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

• 1 cup ragi flour (approx. 120g)
• ½ cup cane sugar (approx. 100g)
• ¼ cup ghee (approx. 57g)
• 1.5 tablespoons broken cashews (approx. 20g)
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder (approx. 0.6g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – a few little tips can make all the difference!

Ragi Flour: Health Benefits & Selection

Ragi is a superfood! It’s rich in calcium, iron, and fiber. When buying ragi flour, look for a good quality, finely ground flour. It should have a slightly earthy aroma. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online.

Ghee: Traditional vs. Modern Options

Ghee is the traditional fat used in Indian sweets, and it adds a wonderful flavor. You can use homemade ghee or store-bought. If you’re not a fan of ghee, you can substitute with coconut oil, but the flavor will be different.

Cane Sugar: A Natural Sweetener

I prefer using cane sugar (also known as jaggery sugar) because it’s less processed than refined sugar and has a lovely caramel-like flavor. You can also use regular sugar, but adjust the quantity to your taste.

Cashews: Choosing Quality & Roasting Tips

Use good quality, broken cashews. Roasting them really brings out their flavor. Don’t skip this step! They add such a lovely texture to the ladoos.

Cardamom: Freshly Ground vs. Powder

Freshly ground cardamom is always best, but good quality cardamom powder works perfectly fine too. Just make sure it’s fragrant!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, heat 1/8 cup (approx. 30ml) of ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the broken cashews and roast them until they turn golden brown and fragrant. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them! Once roasted, set them aside.
2. Now, add the ragi flour to the same pan. Reduce the heat to low and roast the flour for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes aromatic and has a slightly sandy texture.
3. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool completely. This is important! Once cooled, add the cane sugar and mix well.
4. Add the roasted cashews, cardamom powder, and the remaining 1/8 cup (approx. 30ml) of ghee to the flour mixture. Mix everything together really well until it’s all combined.
5. Now for the fun part! Take small portions of the mixture (about a tablespoon) and press them tightly between your palms to form round ladoos.
6. Finally, store the ladoos in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week (if they last that long!).

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned over the years…

Roasting Ragi Flour to Perfection

Don’t rush the roasting process! Roasting the ragi flour properly is key to getting the right flavor and texture. Keep the heat low and stir constantly to prevent burning.

Achieving the Right Laddoo Consistency

If the mixture feels too dry, add a tiny bit more ghee, a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too sticky, let it cool for a bit longer.

Variations

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

Vegan Ragi Laddoo

Simply substitute the ghee with an equal amount of coconut oil. It will change the flavor slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!

Gluten-Free Considerations

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the packaging of your ragi flour to ensure it hasn’t been processed in a facility that also handles gluten.

Adjusting Sweetness Levels

Feel free to adjust the amount of cane sugar to your liking. Start with ½ cup and add more if you prefer a sweeter laddoo.

Festival Adaptations (Makar Sankranti, Pongal)

These ladoos are perfect for Makar Sankranti and Pongal! You can add a pinch of sesame seeds to the mixture for an extra festive touch.

Spice Level Variations (Adding a Pinch of Nutmeg)

My friend loves adding a tiny pinch of nutmeg along with the cardamom for a warmer, more complex flavor. It’s worth a try!

Serving Suggestions

These ladoos are wonderful on their own, but they’re also great with a glass of milk or a cup of chai. They make a lovely after-dinner treat or a healthy snack any time of day.

Storage Instructions

Store the ragi ladoos in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. You can also store them in the refrigerator for longer, but they might become a bit harder.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What are the health benefits of ragi?

Ragi is incredibly nutritious! It’s a great source of calcium, iron, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s also known to help regulate blood sugar levels.

Can I use a different type of sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can! You can use regular sugar, coconut sugar, or even honey (though honey will make the ladoos softer).

How do I know when the ragi flour is roasted enough?

The ragi flour is roasted enough when it becomes aromatic and has a slightly sandy texture. It should also change color slightly.

Can I make these ladoos ahead of time?

Yes, you can! They actually taste even better after a day or two.

What is the best way to store ragi ladoos to keep them fresh?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I add other nuts or seeds to the ladoos?

Absolutely! Feel free to add almonds, pistachios, sunflower seeds, or any other nuts or seeds you like.