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    Home » Desserts

    EASY Til Laddu

    Published: Jan 11, 2021 · Modified: Jan 13, 2023 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 27 Comments

    21222 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Til laddu is a delightfully rich dessert with earthy sesame seeds and buttery-rich jaggery. This quick recipe uses grated jaggery and easy steps to achieve the authentic flavors of Maharashtrian "Tila che ladoo".

    til laddu in a silver platter
    Jump to:
    • What are Til Laddu
    • What is Makar Sankrant
    • Til Gul
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Til Ke Laddu
    • Storing
    • Tips & Substitutions
    • More Sankrant Recipes
    • Recipe

    What are Til Laddu

    Til laddu are sweet dessert balls made from sesame seeds and jaggery. A traditional recipe from Western India, Til Laddu is also known as "Tila che ladoo", "Til Ke Laddu " or "Til Gud Ladoo" and is a must during the festival of Sankrant.

    In Maharashtra, where I grew up, Til Laddu or Til Gul is made in big batches to share with family and friends for 10 days leading the Makar Sankrant Day.

    What is Makar Sankrant

    Makar Sankrant is the Harvest festival celebrated during the month of January in Western India. It is also celebrated as "Pongal" in South India, "Lohri" in North India, and "Bihu" in East India.

    Til Gul

    • Til - Sesame seeds
    • Gul - Buttery rich jaggery is also known as "Gur"

    These two ingredients provide much-needed nutrition and warmth. Both sesame seeds and jaggery are good sources of energy. Sesame seeds are a good source of healthy fats, proteins, calcium, and fiber. Sesame seeds and jaggery are both rich in iron, magnesium, and potassium which help boost energy levels. With all of these health benefits, Til Ladoos are a must in the winter months when our body craves that extra energy.

    til laddu in a platter

    Ingredients

    This soft til laddu recipe uses a few basic nutrient-rich pantry ingredients that are readily available in Indian grocery stores:

    • Sesame Seeds
    • Peanuts
    • Dry Coconut
    • Jaggery
    • Cardamom
    ingredients for til laddu

    How to Make Til Ke Laddu

    Here are my step-by-step instructions with photos to show you each step. All of the steps and the ingredients are in the printable recipe card just a little further down in this post.

    Step 1: Dry Roast sesame seeds, peanuts, and coconut, one at a time. Grate the jaggery. I like to use a food processor for this but you can also grate it using a handheld grater

    Prepping ingredients for til laddu

    Step 2: Grind the roasted ingredients along with jaggery and cardamom

    processing peanuts, sesame seeds and jaggery

    Step 3: Add ghee, grind again and then roll the laddo

    making laddo with sesame and jaggery mixture

    Storing

    Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place at room temperature for up to 10 days. 

    til laddu in a black plate

    Tips & Substitutions

    1. Dry roast the ingredients one at a time on medium-low heat stirring frequently
    2. Allow the roasted ingredients to cool down before processing
    3. You can substitute white sesame seeds for brown sesame seeds
    4. Grate the jaggery or break it into small pieces using a pestle
    5. I like to use a food processor for this recipe but you can also use a high-speed blender. Simply pulse 1 to 2 ingredients at a time and grind everything in multiple batches
    6. Massage the final mixture well to help release the oils from the sesame seeds and peanuts which will help bind the ladoo

    More Sankrant Recipes

    Here are some more recipes to try on Sankranti or anytime you like since they are not only delicious but also unique and dishes you won't find in a restaurant!

    • Maharashtrian Bhogichi Bhaji with homemade parathas
    • Tila chi Chikki
    • Gul Poli
    • Tila chi Vadi
    • Undhiyu with puri
    • Ven Pongal with coconut chutney
    • Dahi Bhalle

    Recipe

    Tried this recipe? We love your feedback.Please click on the stars in the recipe card below
    til laddu in a black plate
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    4.94 from 16 votes

    Til Ladoo

    Quick & easy recipe for the Maharashtrian Til Laddu with sesame seeds, peanuts and grated jaggery
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Rolling20 mins
    Total Time40 mins
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 22 laddu
    Calories: 105kcal
    Author: Archana Mundhe

    Equipment

    • Food Processor

    Ingredients

    • ¾ cup brown sesame seeds **
    • ½ cup peanuts **
    • ¼ cup dry unsweetened coconut desiccated or shredded
    • 1 cup jaggery grated & lightly packed
    • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom **
    • 2 tablespoons ghee

    Instructions

    • Roast sesame seeds on medium low heat for 4 to 5 minutes. The sesame seeds will release aromas and also start to sizzle in the pan. Take out the sesame seeds in a wide bowl and allow them to cool.
    • In the same pan, roast the peanuts for 2 to 3 minutes stirring constantly. Once the peanuts start to get light golden brown spots on them, take them out in a bowl and allow to cool.
    • In the same hot pan add coconut and turn the heat off and dry roast for 1 to 2 minutes or until it turns light golden brown. Take out the roasted coconut in a bowl.
    • Add cooled sesame seeds and peanuts to the food processor bowl and pulse 10 to 12 times. Don’t over process we still want to see some peanut pieces.
    • Next add coconut, jaggery and cardamom powder and process everything for 20 to 30 seconds. Once everything is mixed in, add the ghee and pulse everything 4 to 5 times.
    • Take out the mixture in a large bowl and massage it with your hands so the oils from the sesame seeds and peanuts start to release and will help roll and shape them.
    • Take about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture and start pressing in the palm of your hands and rolling it on all sides to shape a round ladoo. Make remaining ladoos, I make around 20 to 22 ladoo. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place at room temperature for upto 10 days.

    Video

    Notes

     
    1. You can substitute white sesame seeds for brown sesame seeds
    2. I use shelled peanuts, if using peanuts with skin on, simply roast them, allow them to cool down, and then massage with your hands so the skin comes off easily. It is also ok to grind them with skin on 
    3. Grate the jaggery using a hand grater or food processor or break it into small pieces using a pestle. You can use powdered jaggery instead of grated jaggery
    4. I like to use a food processor for this recipe but you can also use a high-speed blender. Simply pulse 1 to 2 ingredients at a time and grind everything in multiple batches
    5. If you find it hard to bind the laddu, massage in an extra 1 to 2 tablespoons of ghee in the mixture

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 105kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @ministry_of_curry or tag #ministryofcurry

    Author: Archana

    Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
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    1. Abhi says

      January 11, 2021 at 8:53 pm

      Thanks for sharing such an easy recipe, just in time 🙂 can I use jaggery powder ?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        January 12, 2021 at 11:19 am

        Yes! You can use jaggery powder.

        Reply
    2. Ekta says

      January 11, 2021 at 9:00 pm

      Can I substitute jaggery with shakkar (jaggery powder)? I was wondering what effect it would have on the flavor.

      Reply
      • Archana says

        January 12, 2021 at 11:18 am

        Yes you can do that!

        Reply
    3. Veena says

      January 12, 2021 at 7:47 pm

      Super easy recipe...loved the description and the details you mention
      Thank you
      Veena5 stars

      Reply
    4. Akshatha says

      January 14, 2021 at 1:06 pm

      Tastes amazing:) thanks for the recipe Archana you made my Sankranthi sweetful❤️5 stars

      Reply
    5. Archana Athalye says

      January 14, 2021 at 1:44 pm

      Super quick and delicious!5 stars

      Reply
    6. Divya says

      January 15, 2021 at 11:09 am

      Thank you Archana..never thought these would be so easy. Love these ladoos. ❤️5 stars

      Reply
    7. Swati Bhola says

      January 19, 2021 at 4:22 pm

      Thanks for such an amazing recipe!! I tried it on lohri and it was an instant hit with my family!! Made a second batch on demand today
      I also added some walnuts and almonds to it and it came out perfect! Planning to add more dry fruits next time.
      Thanks again Archana!

      Reply
    8. Deepti says

      February 08, 2021 at 2:58 pm

      An absolute hit in the house and so easy to make!
      Thank you Archana

      Reply
    9. Shivani says

      February 13, 2021 at 11:40 pm

      What brand/kind of jaggery have u used?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        February 16, 2021 at 10:16 pm

        Anand Brand or Swad

        Reply
    10. Niharika says

      March 25, 2021 at 9:39 pm

      Can I use raw sesame seeds instead of toasted ones, and raw peanuts as well ?5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        March 26, 2021 at 2:50 pm

        You should dry roast them both for the best flavors

        Reply
    11. Priya says

      December 16, 2021 at 2:00 pm

      Super Easy, Quick and Delicious!!!!5 stars

      Reply
    12. Nidhi shah says

      January 12, 2022 at 3:00 pm

      Can I use the frozen coconut from the indian store.

      Reply
      • Archana says

        January 13, 2022 at 5:05 pm

        yes you can use frozen coconut, make sure to roast it a bit to remove any excess moisture.

        Reply
    13. Tulika Bhatia says

      January 13, 2022 at 6:49 pm

      This is an awesome recipe!!5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        January 13, 2022 at 10:26 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    14. Sd says

      January 14, 2022 at 11:19 am

      Happy Sankrant Archana!
      I am Going to try this today. Do you have to use chikki gool??? Or is normal one ok too? Thanks !5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        January 15, 2022 at 11:52 am

        This recipe uses normal jaggery as the laddu are soft rather than crunchy.

        Reply
    15. Sushmita says

      January 14, 2022 at 11:23 pm

      My ladoos did not bind. Any tricks to repair them??5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        January 15, 2022 at 11:49 am

        Hi Sushmita, the jaggery may have been dry. Try adding little bit more ghee and running the mixture through the food processor which will also help teh sesame seeds and peanuts release more oils.

        Reply
        • Sheetal says

          January 17, 2022 at 1:47 am

          Hi Archana. I think I added too much ghee and so the ladoos are too soft almost runny. Is there a solution? Should I add more sesame seeds powder? Or will almond flour work?

          Great recipe!

          Thanks
          Sheetal

          Reply
          • Archana says

            January 17, 2022 at 11:26 am

            Yes, add more almond flour to it. Also keeping the mixture in the fridge will also help.

            Reply
    16. Diksha says

      January 11, 2023 at 8:35 pm

      I tried til ladoo it came out very yummy best thing is recipe super easy and don’t take much time. Thanks Archana mam.5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        January 11, 2023 at 10:01 pm

        Thank you for the lovely feedback! Happy Makar Sankrant!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

    Learn More About Me!

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