Delight in tradition: Make Makar Sankranti sweeter with homemade Gur ke Ladoo!

Gur ke Ladoo, also known as Til ke Ladoo or Sesame Seed Ladoo, is a traditional and popular sweet prepared during Makar Sankranti. These delicious ladoos are made with jaggery (gur), sesame seeds (til), and sometimes include other ingredients for added flavor. Here’s a simple recipe for making Gur ke Ladoo:

Ingredients:
= 1 cup sesame seeds (til), lightly roasted
=1 cup jaggery (gur), grated
=1/4 cup desiccated coconut (optional)
=1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, or a mix)
=1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
=Ghee (clarified butter) for greasing hands

Instructions:
1.Roast Sesame Seeds:
=In a pan, lightly roast the sesame seeds over medium heat until they become golden brown. Keep stirring to ensure even roasting. Once roasted, set them aside to cool.

2.Prepare Jaggery Syrup:
=In a separate pan, melt the grated jaggery over low heat. Stir continuously until the jaggery melts completely. Strain the jaggery syrup to remove any impurities.

3.Mix Ingredients:
=In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted sesame seeds, desiccated coconut (if using), chopped nuts, and cardamom powder. Mix well.

4.Bind the Mixture:
=Gradually add the melted jaggery syrup to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until the mixture comes together. The jaggery syrup will act as a binding agent.

5.Shape into Ladoos:
=While the mixture is still warm, grease your hands with ghee to prevent sticking. Take a portion of the mixture and shape it into round ladoos. Repeat the process for the remaining mixture.

6.Cool and Set:
=Allow the Gur ke Ladoo to cool and set at room temperature. The jaggery will harden as it cools, giving the ladoos their final texture.

7.Store:
=Once the ladoos have completely cooled and set, store them in an airtight container. They can be enjoyed over the next few days.
Gur ke Ladoo is not only delicious but also nutritious due to the health benefits of sesame seeds and the natural sweetness of jaggery.

These ladoos are a perfect way to celebrate the sweetness of Makar Sankranti. Enjoy these traditional treats with family and friends during the festive season!