Thambittu Ladoo – Traditional Karnataka Sweet

Step 1: Introduction and Ingredients Overview

The host introduces the recipe for Thambittu Ladoo and displays all the necessary ingredients: jaggery powder, dry grated and fried coconut, fried and skin-removed groundnuts, cardamom powder, fried gram dal (putani), ghee, and wheat flour that has been lightly fried in ghee.

Step 2: Grind Groundnuts and Fried Gram Dal

Take the fried groundnuts (peanuts with skin removed) and fried gram dal (putani) and add them to a mixer jar. Grind them coarsely; the mixture should have a granular texture when touched.

Step 3: Melt Jaggery

In a pan, add 2 cups of jaggery powder and 1/2 cup of water. Stir well over medium heat to melt the jaggery completely.

Step 4: Boil Jaggery Syrup

Continue boiling the jaggery mixture, stirring occasionally, until it starts to froth and a slight foam appears on the surface. Once it reaches this frothy stage, turn off the gas.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add 1.5 cups of the lightly fried wheat flour, 3/4 cup of dry grated and fried coconut, and 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

Step 6: Add Groundnut Mixture

Add the coarsely ground groundnut and fried gram dal mixture to the bowl containing the other dry ingredients. Mix everything together well, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 7: Incorporate Ghee and Jaggery Syrup

Gradually add 4-5 tablespoons of melted ghee and the prepared jaggery syrup to the dry mixture. Mix continuously with a spatula or spoon. Add the jaggery syrup incrementally, ensuring the mixture doesn't become too wet.

Step 8: Adjust Consistency and Mix

Continue adding the jaggery syrup and ghee gradually, mixing until the entire mixture comes together and can be easily formed into ladoos. The mixture should be moist enough to bind without being sticky.

Step 9: Form Ladoos

Once the mixture is ready and can hold its shape, take small portions and press them firmly with your hands to form round ladoos. Adjust the size of the ladoos as desired.

Step 10: Serve

Arrange the prepared Thambittu Ladoos on a plate. They are now ready to be enjoyed as a healthy and delicious sweet treat.

• Ensure groundnuts and fried gram dal are ground coarsely for a good texture.

• Adjust the amount of jaggery syrup and ghee gradually until the mixture can be easily formed into ladoos.

• You can use organic jaggery for a healthier option.

• Add other nuts like cashews or almonds for varied texture and flavor.

• Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg powder for an additional aromatic note.