20 Min
GF
Date Laddus
If there were an equivalent to a cookie in India, it would be the laddu — spherical sweet treats loved by all, kids and adults, rich or poor. They often are distributed in temples as sacred offerings and were known to be a particular favorite of Ganesh, the god of good fortune and remover of obstacles. (Yes, only in India do our gods have food preferences.) Any happy occasion is the perfect excuse to make and distribute ladoos to friends. Like most other Indian sweets, there are dozens of varieties made with a combination of nuts, milk, sugar, lentils, ghee and more ghee! Here I offer you a very simple ladoo to make for your loved ones this week to celebrate St. Valentine. It is made and sweetened with dates and pistachios, scented with cardamom and brightened with a lemony bite from the coriander seeds. These ladoos will keep for weeks in your refrigerator, too.
If there were an equivalent to a cookie in India, it would be the laddu — spherical sweet treats loved by all, kids and adults, rich or poor. They often are distributed in temples as sacred offerings and were known to be a particular favorite of Ganesh, the god of good fortune and remover of obstacles. (Yes, only in India do our gods have food preferences.) Any happy occasion is the perfect excuse to make and distribute ladoos to friends. Like most other Indian sweets, there are dozens of varieties made with a combination of nuts, milk, sugar, lentils, ghee and more ghee! Here I offer you a very simple ladoo to make for your loved ones this week to celebrate St. Valentine. It is made and sweetened with dates and pistachios, scented with cardamom and brightened with a lemony bite from the coriander seeds. These ladoos will keep for weeks in your refrigerator, too.
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Serves
16
Directions
Step 1
Soak the dates in bourbon for 2 to 3 hours.
Step 2
In a food processor, chop the dates, coconut, pistachios, cardamom and salt and remainder of soaking bourbon.
Step 3
Heat the ghee until just shy of smoking and add the coriander seeds. Within 2 to 3 seconds, pull the ghee off the heat and add the chili powder. Pour into the ladoo mix. Mix with fingertips to evenly distribute the spices. Roll into 1-inch balls.
Notes & Variations
- Fresh coconut is always best, but if not available use frozen or dry grated coconut.
- Replace the bourbon with rum, whiskey, or orange juice.
- Cardamom can be replaced with cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Replace the ghee with butter or coconut oil.
Ingredients
12 dates, pitted
4 tablespoons bourbon
1/2 cup grated coconut
1/2 cup pistachios
Generous pinch of ground cardamom
Pinch of sea salt
2 tablespoons ghee
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
Pinch of chili powder
Step 1
Soak the dates in bourbon for 2 to 3 hours.
Step 2
In a food processor, chop the dates, coconut, pistachios, cardamom and salt and remainder of soaking bourbon.
Step 3
Heat the ghee until just shy of smoking and add the coriander seeds. Within 2 to 3 seconds, pull the ghee off the heat and add the chili powder. Pour into the ladoo mix. Mix with fingertips to evenly distribute the spices. Roll into 1-inch balls.
12 dates, pitted
4 tablespoons bourbon
1/2 cup grated coconut
1/2 cup pistachios
Generous pinch of ground cardamom
Pinch of sea salt
2 tablespoons ghee
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
Pinch of chili powder
Notes & Variations
- Fresh coconut is always best, but if not available use frozen or dry grated coconut.
- Replace the bourbon with rum, whiskey, or orange juice.
- Cardamom can be replaced with cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Replace the ghee with butter or coconut oil.
Tags:
20 Min
GF
Stock Your Pantry
Aromatic Masala Dabba
$250
A handmade spice box containing chai masala, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, whole black peppercorns, whole green cardamom pods with a few black cardamom pods, garam masala, mace pods and nutmeg.
Essential Masala Dabba
$235
A handmade spice box containing red chile, turmeric, black pepper, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, amchur and garam masala.
Ghee
$10
Ghee is a class of clarified butter that originated in ancient India.
Tags:
20 Min
GF
Stock Your Pantry
Aromatic Masala Dabba
$250
Essential Masala Dabba
$235
Ghee
$10
