Sesame & Coconut Ladoo
Sesame and coconut ladoos bound with jaggery and ghee, a traditional four-ingredient sweet for new mothers that keeps for weeks in a jar.
- Make-ahead
- Vegetarian
Why you'll love this
Crunchy, nutty and chewy with jaggery, these til and coconut ladoos need just four ingredients and taste like the ones handed out at Makar Sankranti.
Good for: Snack · Sweet treat · New mothers · Make-ahead
Total Time
25 min
Serves
10 people
Calories
120 kcal
Nutrition highlights
Estimated, per serving
Key Pregnancy Nutrients
- Fibre2 g
- Calcium65 mg
- Iron1.4 mg
- Magnesium35 mg
Why it can be useful after birth
Til ladoos are a traditional sweet made for new mothers in many Indian homes. Each one is small and energy-dense, which suits the snacking that happens around feeds, but the jaggery means one or two a day is plenty. The belief that coconut helps breastfeeding is tradition, not something research has shown.
Energy
Jaggery, roasted sesame and desiccated coconut pack about 120 kcal into each small ladoo, handy energy to keep by the feeding chair.
From: jaggery, sesame seeds, desiccated coconut
Healthy fats
Roasted sesame seeds make up a big part of every ladoo and bring healthy fats plus a nutty crunch, so it is more than just a lump of sugar.
From: sesame seeds
General nutrition information, not medical advice. Nutrient amounts are estimates, and your doctor may recommend supplements (such as folic acid or iron) that food alone does not replace.
Ingredients
What's in it
- Sesame seeds, roasted – 1/2 cup
- Desiccated coconut – 1/2 cup
- Jaggery, grated – 1/2 cup
- Ghee – 1 tbsp
Easy substitutions
Ghee → Coconut oil
Makes the ladoos dairy-free and vegan, and suits the coconut flavour.
How to make it
- 1
Dry roast sesame seeds and desiccated coconut separately on low heat until lightly golden; let cool slightly.
- 2
Melt ghee and jaggery together in a pan on low heat until it forms a soft syrup.
- 3
Add roasted sesame seeds and coconut; mix thoroughly.
- 4
While still warm, shape into small ladoos.
- 5
Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Pregnancy-friendly tips
- Choose unhulled (whole) sesame seeds if you can find them; hulled white til has much less calcium.
- Work quickly while the jaggery is warm, and grease your palms with a little ghee so the ladoos hold their shape.
- Stored airtight, they keep for about two weeks, so one batch lasts through the busy early weeks.
Safety note
- These ladoos are mostly jaggery, seeds and coconut, so they are high in sugar. If you had gestational diabetes or have diabetes, keep to one and check with your dietitian.
Contains: Sesame, Milk
Frequently asked questions
Does coconut help with breast milk?
Coconut is traditionally given to new mothers, but there is no good evidence that coconut or any other food makes more milk. Frequent feeding and a good latch make the biggest difference.
How many til ladoos can I have in a day?
One or two is plenty, since each is sweet and energy-dense. Meals built on dal, grains, vegetables and dairy should cover the rest of your needs.
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