Ladoos are not just delicious dessert sweets; they form an essential component in most cuisines, particularly in South Asian foods. Among these, Besan and Flaxseed Ladoos are offering a delectable treat in its healthier version. In this article, we will provide you with all the information regarding these scrumptious treats – the recipe, the health benefits, and the answers to the most frequently asked questions, including besan (gram flour) and flaxseed for that matter.
What Are Ladoos?
Ladu or Ladoos are Indian sweet balls, made from a various ingredients including flour, sugar and ghee etc. It comes in various tastes and textures, right from soft and chewy to crispy and crunchy. These little round shapes which are sweet in taste are usually to be found during festivals, special events and also a snack in every day.
Why Make Besan and Flaxseed Ladoos?
Besan and flaxseed ladoos are traditional Indian sweets made of gram flour and almonds, that are nutty and very nutritious as they also contain flaxseed. Here’s why you might want to try making these ladoos:
Nutritional Powerhouse: Besan is a great source of protein, fiber, and essential minerals. Flaxseeds add omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special ingredients or complicated steps.
- Versatile: These ladoos can be enjoyed as a healthy snack or a sweet treat without compromising on flavor or health benefits.
What Are the Key Ingredients for Besan and Flaxseed Ladoos?
To make Besan and Flaxseed Ladoos, you’ll need the following key ingredient:
- Besan (Gram Flour): This is the main ingredient. It provides a rich, nutty flavor and is a great source of protein and fiber.
- Flaxseeds: These seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Ghee (Clarified Butter): Adds richness and a distinctive flavor. You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Jaggery: A natural sweetener made from sugarcane juice. It adds a unique, caramel-like sweetness.
- Cardamom: For added flavor and aroma.
- Nuts and Dry Fruits (optional): Such as almonds, cashews, or raisins for extra texture and taste.
How to Make Besan and Flaxseed Ladoos?
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation:
- Roast the Flaxseeds: In a dry pan over medium heat, lightly roast the flaxseeds until they start to pop. Set aside.
- Prepare the Nuts: If using nuts or dry fruits, chop them into small pieces.
- Roast the Besan:
- Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat.
- Add besan to the pan and roast it, stirring continuously to avoid burning. Continue roasting until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. This process should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Once the besan is roasted, reduce the heat and add the roasted flaxseeds, cardamom, and chopped nuts or dry fruits if using.
- Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Add Jaggery:
- Grate or chop the jaggery into small pieces and add it to the mixture.
- Stir until the jaggery melts and incorporates evenly into the besan mixture.
- Form the Ladoos:
- Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Once it’s cool enough to handle, take small portions and shape them into round ladoos using your palms.
- Cool and Store:
- Allow the ladoos to cool completely on a plate.
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about a week.
Best Tips for Besan Ladoo
- Proper Roasting: Roasting besan properly is key to achieving the right texture and flavor. Make sure to roast it on low to medium heat and keep stirring to prevent burning.
- Consistent Size: When shaping ladoos, try to make them uniform in size for even texture and taste.
- Cooling Time: Allow the mixture to cool just enough so that it’s easier to handle but not too cool to shape.
Easy Tips for Besan Ladoo
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh besan and ghee will yield the best flavor.
- Avoid Overheating: Overheating the ghee can affect the taste. Keep the heat moderate.
- Substitute Smartly: If jaggery is unavailable, you can use brown sugar or honey, but adjust the quantity to taste.
Can I Eat Besan Ladoo During Weight Loss?
Definitely, yes, besan ladoos can be taken in moderation during a weight loss process without any guilt. And besan being a rich source of protein and fiber fills you and prevents excess consumption. But as ladoos comprises of ghee or jaggery which are high in calories it is advisable to take them in limited portions.
How Healthy is Besan Ladoo?
When compared with other kinds of sweets, besan ladoos are considered healthy because of the goodness of auxiliary ingredients like besan and flaxseeds. Protein, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals can be found in besan, whereas omega 3 fats, as well as antioxidants, are found in flaxseeds. But because of the ghee and jaggery added to them, it is advisable to take them in limits.
Why Are My Besan Ladoos Not Binding?
In case your besan ladoos are not binding properly, these are some reasons why it may be happening:
- Insufficient Roasting: Besan must be roasted well until it releases a nutty aroma. Inadequate roasting can affect the binding.
- Too Dry Mixture: If the mixture is too dry, it won’t hold together. Ensure the right consistency by adjusting the ghee or jaggery as needed.
- Cooling Time: If the mixture is too hot when shaping, it may not form properly. Let it cool slightly before forming ladoos.
What Are the Benefits of Eating Flax Seeds with Jaggery?
There are quite a few health benefits associated with the consumption of flaxseeds as a supplement to jaggery:
- Digestive Health: Flaxseeds are high in fiber, which aids in digestion, while jaggery helps cleanse the digestive tract.
- Heart Health: Omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseeds support heart health, and jaggery’s minerals contribute to overall well-being.
- Energy Boost: Jaggery provides a quick source of energy, while flaxseeds help sustain it.
Is It Safe to Eat Besan Daily?
Yes, consumption of besan, even on a daily basis, is generally considered safe, and can be included in the diets of tons of people with no toxicity issues. It is high in protein, high in fiber and would be of help to one’s health. As much as this is the case, moderation should be exercise and other nutrients incorporated.
Which Is Better for Weight Loss: Roti or Besan Chilla?
Both the roti as well as the besan chilla has their pros and cons. Roti prepared from whole wheat is rich in carbohydrate and fiber and is made from complex carbohydrates. Made from gram flow, besan chilla is also high in protein and is more satiating than its counterpart. In the case of weight loss, basan chilla may be slightly more favorable because it is a little denser in protein content and protein is known to help considerably in satiating hunger for a longer time.
Does Besan Spike Blood Sugar?
When nutritional comparison conducted, it is observed that besan has a lower glycemic index than refined flour which means that it does not increase the blood glucose level as much. However, besan with sugar or jaggery increases the overall glycemic load. It’s important to consume besan in moderation and consider how it fits into your overall diet.
Can I Have Besan Every Day?
Yes, including besan in your day-to-day meal is plausible but it should always be part of a balanced meal. Its helps the body in many ways but take care especially if you are dieting, stay in control.
How Many Calories Are in 1 Besan Ladoo?
The amount of calories contained in a besan ladoo also depends on the size or quantity one prepares. One single besan ladoo tends to be in the range of roughly 100-150 calories. Therefore, if the count of calories is of concern, then careful measures should be taken in regard to the serving size.
Conclusion
Ladoos made of besan and flaxseed are a wonderful sweet dish which is healthy and retains traditional flavors along with all the health advancements. Following the recipe as well as the tips that go with it, you are able to make mouthwatering and healthy ladoos. Remember to be restrained in how many of these treats you enjoy so as not to cut into a healthy diet. Whether you need to boost your health and add a healthy snack during your busy day, or even if you wish to have a sweet treat, these ladoos work exceptionally well!
FAQs
- Can I use coconut oil instead of ghee in besan ladoos?
- Yes, coconut oil can be used as a substitute for ghee, especially if you prefer a dairy-free option.
- How long do besan ladoos last?
- When stored in an airtight