Khajoor Ke Laddoo / Dates and Nuts Balls

                                                                         

I came across this recipe a few years back and since then I have made it several times. It has so much to recommend it. Unlike the other laddoo recipes I know of, cooking time needed for this is minimal, which means one can make it pretty quickly. It has no milk solids, so those who are lactose intolerant, can enjoy it. There is very little ghee used and no sugar added at all, making it an attractive option for those who avoid these two ingredients. Convinced of the many attributes of this sweet yet?? I have yet to mention that it is highly nutritious, delicious and great to look at too!!

Khajoor Laddoo is basically a combination of dry fruits and dates. It is an easy, stress free recipe that literally anyone can make. Often, one longs to serve a home made sweet on a special occasion but lack of time can prevent one from doing so. You needn't think twice before making this recipe. Also, you can make it ahead and store.

I am sharing this recipe specially for Jo Ann, my daughters' dear friend, who I am very fond of too. I have this memory of her packing a small container with dates to carry to her office as a snack. I am hoping she will like this recipe and try it out.

Ingredients: 

1 cup khajoor (dates)
3/4 cup mixed nuts
3 tbsp raisins
2-3 tbsp sesame
1 tbsp ghee
1/2 tsp cardamom powder

Method:   Remove seeds from dates and blend coarsely using a blender. Chop the nuts. Dry roast sesame and keep aside.

Take a heavy bottom pan and add ghee. Saute the nuts and raisins on low flame for a couple of minutes until they change colour slightly. Add the coarsely ground dates. Continue to stir over low to medium flame, mashing the dates with the spatula until the dates are well mixed with nuts and are lightly roasted. Add cardamom powder, switch off flame and allow to cool for a bit. Grease your hands, make balls and roll in the sesame. Allow to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

I used a mix of cashew, almonds and pistachio but you can use any nuts of your choice. Instead of sesame you can use desiccated coconut or even avoid any coating altogether.