Ragi Ladoo (Nachni Ladoo) : A Nutrient-Packed Delight

Ragi Ladoo is a tasty, flavourful mild sweet made by simmering ragi flour with ghee and shaping it into balls. This Ragi ladoo is a very delectable and easy-to-make ladoo variety with ragi, jaggery, roasted gram, and a handful of walnuts. A healthy as well as nutritious ladoo variety!

Ragi or nachni or finger millet is a healthy grain and should be included in the food that we make. Being very rich in calcium it is excellent for kids and women. I have got a lot of requests to add ragi recipes.

Ragi Ladoo is a delightful treat for people with diabetes & diet to celebrate Diwali & special occasions. Ragi ladoo can easily satiate your hunger pangs in between meal times. Once prepared you can also store it for at least two weeks in an airtight container.

Ragi with jaggery in any form would be a wonderful dish and so I tried these ladoos. I have added nuts to make it richer, tastier, and, healthier. Finally jaggery instead of sugar. So, overall the dish is healthier. Ragi Ladoo is also a healthy snack for the kids.

Health Benefits of Ragi Ladoo

Ragi/Finger millets are filled with nutrients that you can call energy boosters. Ragi is a whole grain and is also gluten-free. It is one of the staple grains in South India. It is rich in fiber that helps with weight loss and to manage diabetes.

Additionally rich in calcium, healthy carbohydrates, amino acids, and vitamin D are finger millets.

One of the nuts with the lowest fiber content, cashews are also a powerhouse of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These include minerals like copper, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, iron, and selenium as well as vitamins E, K, and B6, all of which are crucial for preserving healthy physical function.

Ingredients for Ragi Ladoo

• 1.5 cups ragi flour (nachni or finger millet flour)
• ⅓ cup Ghee
• ½ tsp Cardamom Powder
• ¾ cup powdered jaggery
• ½ Cup Walnuts

Instructions for Ragi Ladoo

1. Take 1.5 cups ragi flour (nachni or finger millet flour) in a Kadai or a thick-bottomed broad pan.
2. dry roast the ragi flour for 8-10 minutes on medium flame.
3. Keep the pan on a low flame. you have to stir often while roasting the flour so that there is even roasting.
4. Roast until nice aroma comes, it will become sandy in texture and there will no raw smell.
5. Then add ⅓ cup ghee to the flour.
6. Begin to mix the ghee with the flour.
7. Keep on stirring and roasting this mixture for 5 to 7 minutes more.
8. Do check the taste of the ragi flour, There should be no rawness in the taste.
9. Now, add ½ teaspoon of cardamom powder and the walnuts.
10. next, add ¾ cup jaggery powder. You can also grate a block of jaggery and then add.
11. Break the tiny lumps of jaggery if any with the spoon or spatula.
12. then switch off the flame & place the pan down.
13. Let this ragi ladoo mixture become warm, then mix everything again very well with your hands and break small lumps if any with your hands.
14. Take a handful of flour, press tight, and shape them as ladoos.
15. If you are unable to form ragi ladoos, then add a few tablespoons of ghee which is at room temperature. Mix again very well and begin to shape the ladoos.
16. Repeat to finish the mixture.
17. Tasty and Healthy Ragi Ladoos are now ready to serve!!!
     

Storing Suggestions

These Ragi laddus with Jaggery stay good for around 1 week at room temperature and 2 weeks refrigerated.

They are a great make-ahead snack that can be popped into the tiffin box without any thought.

If your ladoos are not staying in shape:

• Place the shaped laddus in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes
• Add more roasted ragi flour or roasted ground nuts and seeds to it. Reshape the laddu
• Shape twice- once when the ragi laddu mixture is warm. And again after 15 minutes once the ragi mixture has cooled down.

Tips and variations

• Frying the ragi well is very important. It should be completely done and the raw smell should go, and at the same time, it should not burn.
• If the laddu mixture is too dry and crumbly, add 1 more teaspoon of ghee.
• You can add any sweetener of your choice – powdered white sugar or jaggery.
• Turn off the heat when you add jaggery. We just want the jaggery to melt and come together with ragi. The heat in ragi is sufficient to melt the jaggery.
• If the laddu mixture is too wet, add more roasted Ragi flour.

FAQs

1. Are there any variations of Ragi Ladoo?

Yes, there are variations of Ragi Ladoo. Some people like to add chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even sesame seeds to enhance the flavor and texture. These variations can cater to individual preferences.

2. Is Ragi Ladoo suitable for kids?

Ragi Ladoo is an excellent choice for kids as it is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that are essential for their growth and development. The natural sweetness from jaggery makes it a healthier alternative to conventional sweets.

3. Can Ragi Ladoo be a part of a weight-loss diet?

Yes, Ragi Ladoo can be a part of a weight-loss diet when consumed in moderation. The high dietary fiber content in ragi helps promote a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management. However, it’s important to maintain portion control.

4. How long do Ragi Ladoos stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Ragi Ladoos can stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to prolong their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for a few weeks.

5. Can I make Ragi Ladoo without ghee?

Yes, you can make Ragi Ladoo without ghee by using alternative fats like coconut oil or vegetable oil. However, ghee imparts a unique flavor and aroma to the ladoos, so the taste may vary slightly.

6. Are Ragi Ladoos suitable for individuals with diabetes?

Ragi Ladoos can be a suitable choice for individuals with diabetes due to their low glycemic index. However, it’s important to monitor portion sizes and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice..

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ragi Ladoo is a delightful Indian sweet that not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a wide array of health benefits. Its rich nutritional profile, gluten-free nature, and versatility make it a standout choice for individuals of all ages.

By following our comprehensive guide, you can easily prepare these nutrient-packed Ragi Ladoos at home. Incorporating Ragi into your diet can be a step towards a healthier and more wholesome lifestyle.