Methi Laddoo

Methi laddoo is a popular Ayurvedic winter sweet consumed for its warming properties. Traditionally prepared in many Indian households, it helps protect against cold, boosts immunity, and improves joint health. Nursing mothers are also given methi laddoos to promote lactation. Methi Laddoo is very good for health, especially during winter, due to its numerous health benefits.

I am not very fond of sweets or desserts and that’s why this bittersweet mixture is my favorite.

Recipe for Methi Laddoo (Traditional method where methi is soaked in ghee for 4-8 days)

Ingredients

• Fenugreek seeds (methi dana) – ½ cup
• Pure ghee – 1 cup
• Grated dried coconut (sukha khobra) – 3 cup
• Dry dates powder (kharik powder) – 2 cup
• Jaggery (grated) – ½ cup
• Dates powder/ Kharik powder – 2 cups
• Edible gum (gond) – ¼ cup
• Dry fruits (almonds, cashews, pistachios, raisins) – ½ cup (finely chopped)
• Poppy seeds (khus khus) – 2 tbsp
• Mixed seeds – 2 tbsp (sunflower, flax, melon)
• Cardamom powder – 1 tsp
• Nutmeg powder – ½ tsp

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Method

Step 1: Soak Fenugreek in Ghee

1. Clean the fenugreek seeds thoroughly.
2. Heat 1 cup of ghee until it melts and pour it over the fenugreek seeds in a bowl.
3. Cover the bowl and let the fenugreek seeds soak in the ghee for 4 to 8 days, stirring once a day. This soaking process reduces bitterness and enhances the nutritional value.
4. On the day of preparation of laddoos, take out the soaked methi and whisk it with your hands till it turns its color from dark brown to off-white just like it does in beaten coffee.

Step 2: Prepare Gond and Dry Coconut

1. Heat 2 tbsp of ghee in a pan and fry the edible gum until it puffs up. Set aside and crush it into small pieces.
2. In the same pan, lightly roast the grated dried coconut until golden brown and aromatic.

Crushing Gond in the mixer

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. Mix the roasted coconut, kharik powder (dry dates powder), and chopped dry fruits in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the fried and crushed edible gum to this mixture.

Step 4: Melt the Jaggery

1. Heat the grated jaggery in a pan on low heat until it melts completely.
2. Remove from heat and pour the melted jaggery over the dry mixture.
3. You can also use jaggery powder readily available at your convenience.

Step 5: Add Soaked Fenugreek

1. Add the whisked methi mixture to the coconut jaggery mix along with cardamom powder and nutmeg powder.

Step 6: Shape the Laddoos

1. Mix everything well while still warm.
2. Grease your hands with a little ghee and shape the mixture into laddoos.
3. Let the laddoos cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

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Benefits of Methi Laddoo

1. Improves Joint Health
   • Methi is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce joint and muscle pain, especially in winter. The combination of soaked fenugreek and edible gum helps reduce joint pain and strengthens bones.
2. Boosts Immunity
   • Jaggery and dry fruits enhance energy levels and strengthen the immune system.
3. Aids Digestion
   • Fenugreek seeds help improve digestion, reduce bloating, and prevent constipation.
4. Regulates Blood Sugar
   • Fenugreek is known to regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity.
5. Promotes Lactation
   • Fenugreek is traditionally recommended for lactating mothers to boost milk production.
6. Energy Booster: Jaggery and dry fruits provide an instant energy boost, making these laddoos perfect for winter and postpartum recovery.
7. Warmth in winters: The ingredients generate warmth in the body and strengthen immunity during cold seasons.
8. Enhances Stamina and Strength
   • The combination of wheat flour, dry fruits, ghee, and jaggery provides warmth and energy, making it ideal for winters.
9. Rich in Iron and Calcium: Dry dates (kharik) and dry fruits are excellent sources of iron, calcium, and essential minerals.

Are there any precautions?

• Moderation is key: Methi laddoos are high in calories because of the ghee and jaggery, so consuming them in moderation is advisable.
• Bitter taste: Methi has a naturally bitter taste, so too much of it can overpower the flavor and cause discomfort.
• Diabetics and those with high cholesterol: Should consume them in limited quantities or after consulting a healthcare professional, as they are calorie-dense.

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