Introduction

Nachni Ladoo, also known as Ragi Ladoo, is a nutritious and delicious Indian sweet made from nachni (ragi or finger millet) flour. These ladoos are popular not only for their taste but also for their health benefits, as ragi is rich in calcium, iron, and fiber. Nachni Ladoos are often prepared during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi or as a nutritious snack for children. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe to make Nachni Ladoos at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Nachni (Ragi or Finger Millet) Flour
• 1 cup Grated Jaggery (or adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup Ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 cup Mixed Nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios), chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon Cardamom Powder
• 2-3 tablespoons Warm Milk (as needed)

Instructions

Step 1: Roasting Nachni Flour

1. Dry Roast Nachni Flour:
   • Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
   • Add nachni flour and dry roast it for 5-7 minutes until it turns aromatic and slightly changes color. Stir continuously to avoid burning.
   • Remove roasted nachni flour from heat and transfer it to a plate. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Ladoo Mixture

1. Prepare Jaggery Syrup:
   • In the same pan, add grated jaggery and 2 tablespoons of warm milk.
   • Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the jaggery melts completely and forms a syrup consistency. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   • Add the roasted nachni flour, cardamom powder, and chopped mixed nuts to the jaggery syrup.
   • Mix well until all the ingredients are well combined. The mixture should be slightly warm for ease of shaping ladoos.
3. Add Ghee:
   • Add ghee (clarified butter) little by little to the mixture and mix well. The ghee helps bind the ladoos together.

Step 3: Shape the Ladoos

1. Shape Ladoos:
   • Take a small portion of the mixture in your hands and gently press it to shape into round ladoos.
   • Roll it between your palms to form a smooth ladoo. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
2. Let the Ladoos Set:
   • Place the shaped ladoos on a plate or tray and let them cool completely at room temperature.
   • Once cooled, the ladoos will firm up and hold their shape.

Step 4: Store and Serve

1. Store Ladoos:
   • Store Nachni Ladoos in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks.
2. Serve:
   • Enjoy Nachni Ladoos as a nutritious snack or as a dessert after meals.
   • These ladoos are perfect for kids and adults alike, offering a healthy dose of nutrients from ragi and the natural sweetness of jaggery.

Tips for Making Perfect Nachni Ladoos

• Consistency: Ensure the jaggery syrup reaches a soft ball consistency for binding the ladoos effectively.
• Ghee: Adjust the amount of ghee based on the texture of the mixture. Add more if the mixture feels dry and crumbly.
• Variations: You can add grated coconut or roasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Nachni Ladoo is a delightful and nutritious sweet treat that combines the goodness of nachni (ragi) flour with the richness of jaggery and nuts. Whether enjoyed during festivals or as a healthy snack, these ladoos offer a perfect balance of taste and health benefits. Try making this simple and delicious recipe at home and indulge in the wholesome goodness of ragi in every bite!