Sesame & Jaggery Ladoo (Til Gud Ladoo)
Traditional til gud ladoos made with roasted sesame, jaggery and ghee, a small sweet treat that brings some calcium and zinc in every bite.
- Make-ahead
- Vegetarian
Why you'll love this
Nutty, crunchy and sweet with a hint of cardamom, til gud ladoos are the classic Makar Sankranti sweet, and one small ladoo is just right with a glass of warm milk.
Good for: Sweet treat · Snack · Make-ahead · Vegetarian
Total Time
25 min
Serves
10 people
Calories
110 kcal
Nutrition highlights
Estimated, per serving
Key Pregnancy Nutrients
- Fibre2 g
- Zinc1.1 mg
- Calcium140 mg
- Iron1.8 mg
Why it can be useful when trying to conceive
These ladoos are a traditional sweet rather than a health food, but made with sesame they are a more nourishing pick than biscuits while you are trying to conceive. Each small ladoo brings some calcium and zinc from the til, along with the energy of jaggery and ghee.
Calcium
Sesame seeds make each ladoo a source of calcium for bones and teeth; much of it sits in the seed coat, so unhulled til gives more.
From: sesame seeds
Zinc
Roasted sesame adds zinc, which the body needs for normal growth and the immune system, in a small sweet that is easy to carry.
From: sesame seeds
Energy
Jaggery, ghee and sesame make these ladoos energy-dense, so one small ladoo is enough to settle a sweet craving.
From: jaggery, ghee
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
- White sesame seeds – 1 cup
- Jaggery, grated – 1/2 cup
- Ghee – 1 tbsp
- Cardamom powder – 1/4 tsp
Easy substitutions
White sesame seeds → Unhulled brown or black sesame seeds
Unhulled seeds keep their outer coat, where most of sesame's calcium is found.
Ghee → A little coconut oil
Makes the ladoos dairy-free while still helping the mixture bind.
How to make it
- 1
Dry roast sesame seeds on low heat until lightly golden and fragrant; set aside to cool slightly.
- 2
In the same pan, melt ghee and jaggery together on low heat until it forms a soft, sticky syrup.
- 3
Add roasted sesame seeds and cardamom powder; mix quickly and thoroughly.
- 4
While still warm, shape the mixture into small ladoos using lightly greased palms.
- 5
Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Pregnancy-friendly tips
- Keep to one ladoo at a time; they are small but high in sugar and fat.
- Work quickly while the jaggery syrup is warm, and grease your palms with a little ghee so the ladoos shape easily.
- Store them in an airtight tin; they stay crunchy for a couple of weeks.
Safety note
- Jaggery is still sugar and raises blood sugar much like white sugar. If you have gestational diabetes or are watching your sugar, check the portion with your dietitian.
Contains: Sesame, Milk
Frequently asked questions
Can I eat til ladoo while trying to conceive?
Yes, as an occasional sweet within a balanced diet. No single food has been shown to make conception more likely, so enjoy it for the taste.
How many til ladoos can I have in a day?
One small ladoo is a sensible portion for a sweet treat. Count it towards your sugar for the day.
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