Sesame Jaggery Balls (Gud Til Ladoo)

Gud Til Ladoo, these energetic sesame balls that you have surely seen before, It is a traditional Indian sweet, especially popular during winter and on festive occasions like Makar Sankranti and Lohri. This treat is made with simple yet nutritious ingredients, including gud (jaggery, a kind of unrefined sugar common in Asia, which you can substitute with panela) and til (sesame seeds).

Gud Til Ladoos are valued for their taste as well as their health benefits , as jaggery is a rich source of iron and sesame seeds are great for body heat during the cold months, besides providing good amounts of calcium. These are delicious energy balls .

The preparation of these sweets is relatively simple . Jaggery is melted and mixed with roasted sesame seeds to form a dough which is then moulded into small balls or ladoos . Sometimes, other ingredients like grated coconut, peanuts or walnuts are added to enrich the flavour and texture.

What is jaggery

Jaggery is a natural sweetener obtained from sugarcane juice or the sap of palm trees, such as the date palm. It comes in the form of solid blocks that range in color from light gold to dark brown, depending on the source and the manufacturing process. It is very common in India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Latin America. Unlike refined sugar, jaggery retains certain minerals and vitamins as it does not undergo an intense refining process.

Jaggery has a distinctive flavour, with notes that can be described as earthy, slightly bitter and rich, giving dishes a unique flavour profile. In addition to its sweetness, it brings a complexity of flavour that jaggery cannot always replicate.

It is possible to substitute jaggery for brown sugar in many recipes. However, brown sugar has a different moisture content and a less complex flavor profile, which might slightly affect the texture and taste of the final dish . If you decide to substitute it, you can experiment with the amount to adjust the sweetness to your liking, keeping in mind that jaggery is typically less sweet than processed sugar.

For specific recipes like Gud Til Ladoo , where the unique flavour of jaggery is an integral part of the sweet's charm, substituting it with jaggery could noticeably change the flavour profile (use jaggery for this recipe only if you don't have access to jaggery or panela).

However, there is good news: jaggery and panela are quite similar both in their production process and in their nutritional characteristics and culinary uses. Both are obtained from the evaporation of sugarcane juice, although jaggery can also be produced from the sap of certain palm trees. They do not undergo a refining process, so they retain a higher amount of minerals and vitamins compared to refined sugar.

Panela is very common in Latin America, while jaggery is more commonly used in South Asia. In terms of texture and flavor, both share a rich, earthy taste profile, with a hint of molasses flavor, although they may vary slightly depending on their specific origin and production process.

Because of these similarities, panela can be a direct substitute for jaggery in most recipes , especially those where a natural sweetener with a rich and complex flavour and aroma is sought. The choice between one or the other may depend on local availability or specific personal preferences.

Where to find jaggery

Jaggery can be purchased in a variety of places, depending on where you are located. Here are some options to consider:

1. Stores specializing in Asian or international products.

2. Indian Food Markets or Stores : Since jaggery is a common ingredient in Indian cuisine, stores that specialize in Indian products are a good place to look.

3. Natural and Organic Food Stores : Some stores focused on natural, healthy and organic foods may carry jaggery due to its more nutritious profile compared to refined sweeteners, or you can ask them as they can easily get it for you from a supplier.

4. E-commerce : If you prefer the convenience of shopping from home, there are plenty of online options.

5. Large supermarkets with international section.

How to make Indian sesame balls

Ingredients

• 1 cup sesame seeds (approx 150 g)
• 4 teaspoons of ghee (approx 20 g)
• 1/4 cup roasted and crushed peanuts (30 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon green cardamom powder
• 1 cup chopped jaggery* (200 g)

*Note: In the absence of jaggery, and as explained above, you can substitute jaggery with panela (not brown sugar).

Preparation

1. Toast the sesame seeds: Heat a frying pan without oil and add the sesame seeds. Toast them on low heat for 6-8 minutes. Once they are ready, set them aside.
2. Prepare the laddoo mixture: Now, heat the ghee in the same pan and add the jaggery. Mix it well and cook on low flame for about 5 minutes. Keep stirring until the jaggery has completely melted.
3. Add the sesame seeds to the mixture: Add the cardamom powder, crushed peanuts and toasted sesame seeds. Continue stirring and cook everything together for another minute or two. Then, transfer the mixture to a plate previously greased with ghee or oil and let it cool.
4. Form the laddoos and store: With slightly oiled hands, start forming round balls with the mixture. Let them rest and dry in the open air. Finally, store the laddoos in an airtight container. Your Gud Til Laddoos are ready to be enjoyed!

About the ladoos

Recipe Notes: