Sattu Ladoo Recipe – Authentic Indian Sweet with Almonds & Cardamom

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Sattu Ladoo Recipe – Authentic Indian Sweet with Almonds & Cardamom

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s close to my heart – Sattu Ladoo. These aren’t just any ladoos; they’re packed with the goodness of sattu flour, a rustic, nutty flavor, and a delightful aroma of cardamom. I remember my grandmother making these during festivals, and the whole house would smell incredible. It’s a taste of home I’m so excited to share with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sattu Ladoo is more than just a sweet treat. It’s a powerhouse of energy, perfect for a quick pick-me-up. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re new to Indian sweets. These ladoos are naturally gluten-free (depending on your sattu flour source – more on that later!), and they offer a unique, slightly savory sweetness that’s incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

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

• 1 cup Sattu flour (approx. 150g)
• ¾ cup Sugar (approx. 150g) – adjust to your sweetness preference!
• ½ cup Ghee (approx. 115g)
• 1 Cardamom pod
• 8 whole Almonds

Ingredient Notes

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

Sattu Flour: Types and Regional Variations

Sattu flour is made from roasted gram flour and is a staple in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. You can find it in Indian grocery stores, or online. There are different types – chana sattu (made from chickpeas) is the most common, but jau sattu (made from barley) is also available and has a slightly different flavor.

Ghee: Clarified Butter – Choosing the Right Kind

Ghee is essential for that rich, authentic flavor. Use good quality ghee – homemade is best, but store-bought works too. The aroma of ghee really elevates the ladoos.

Cardamom: The Queen of Spices – Fresh vs. Ground

I always prefer using fresh cardamom pods. The flavor is so much more vibrant! But if you’re short on time, good quality ground cardamom will do.

Sugar: Adjusting Sweetness to Your Preference

I’ve used ¾ cup of sugar here, but feel free to adjust it based on how sweet you like your ladoos. You can also experiment with jaggery for a more rustic, healthier sweetness.

Almonds: Roasting for Enhanced Flavor

Roasting the almonds brings out their nutty flavor. Don’t skip this step! It adds a lovely texture and aroma to the ladoos.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, let’s make that sugar-cardamom magic. Grind the sugar and cardamom pods into a fine powder using a mixer. Set this aside.
2. Now, take a heavy-bottomed pan and roast the sattu flour over medium heat. Keep stirring constantly! You want it to turn golden brown and fragrant – this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
3. In the same pan, heat the ghee. Once melted, lightly roast the chopped almonds until they’re fragrant and lightly golden. This takes just a couple of minutes.
4. Time to bring it all together! Combine the roasted sattu flour, sugar-cardamom mixture, roasted almonds, and ghee in a bowl. Mix everything really well until it’s thoroughly combined.
5. While the mixture is still warm (this is important!), start shaping it into compact ladoos using your palms.
6. Finally, let the ladoos cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This helps them hold their shape.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make the perfect Sattu Ladoo:

• Achieving the Perfect Ladoo Shape: Slightly moisten your palms with a little ghee or water to prevent the mixture from sticking.
• Preventing Ladoos from Crumbling: Make sure the ghee is still warm when you’re shaping the ladoos. This helps bind the ingredients together.
• Roasting Sattu Flour to Perfection: Keep a close eye on the sattu flour while roasting. It can burn quickly!
• Using Warm Ghee for Binding: Warm ghee helps the sattu flour and sugar bind together beautifully.

Variations

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

• Vegan Sattu Ladoo: Substitute the ghee with coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Gluten-Free Sattu Ladoo: Ensure your sattu flour is certified gluten-free, as some brands may process it in facilities that also handle wheat.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Adding a Hint of Ginger: A pinch of grated ginger adds a lovely warmth. My mom always added a tiny bit!
• Festival Adaptations: Janmashtami & Chhath Puja: These ladoos are traditionally made for Janmashtami and Chhath Puja.
• Nut Variations: Cashews & Pistachios: Feel free to swap the almonds for cashews or pistachios, or even use a mix!

Serving Suggestions

Sattu Ladoo is perfect as a festive treat, a mid-afternoon snack, or even a healthy dessert. Serve them with a glass of milk or a cup of chai for the ultimate comfort.

Storage Instructions

Store the cooled ladoos 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.

FAQs

What is Sattu flour and where can I find it?

Sattu flour is a protein-rich flour made from roasted chickpeas. You can find it in Indian grocery stores or online retailers.

Can I make Sattu Ladoo without ghee? What can I substitute?

While ghee gives the most authentic flavor, you can substitute it with coconut oil or vegan butter for a vegan version.

How long do Sattu Ladoos stay fresh?

Sattu Ladoos stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature in an airtight container, or up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

What is the best way to grind the sugar and cardamom?

A spice grinder or a powerful blender works best for grinding sugar and cardamom into a fine powder.

Can I add other nuts or seeds to this recipe?

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

Enjoy making these delicious Sattu Ladoos! I hope they bring a little bit of Indian sweetness into your home. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below!