Winter brings the need for warmth, hot meals, and comfort foods that delight your taste buds while keeping you warm with nourishment. In India, there’s a sweet dish for almost all festivals and traditions, and laddus are one of the most loved winter sweets.
These sweet, round balls are made in different regions, using local ingredients and recipes that have been passed down through generations, spreading energy, warmth, and several benefits for the cold season. Whether you prefer making laddus at home or buying them readymade from mithaiwalas, winter laddus are timeless treats that can be savoured with family, friends, or alone.
Why Are Laddus Considered A Winter Essential?
Winter brings challenges like extreme cold climates, lowered immunity, dry skin, and flu. Laddus are often packed with immunity and metabolism-boosting, nutritious seeds, nuts, and natural sweeteners. These provide warmth from within, making it the perfect energy-dense snack.
Here Are The Top 5 Winter Laddus Everyone Must Try
There are several recipes for how laddus are made, especially during winter. While some are tailored with specific ingredients that are celebrated for their health and warming properties. Let’s explore the various varieties of laddus that shine in the cold season.
1. Sesame Seed Laddus or Til Laddus
As the name suggests, til laddus are made with sesame seeds and are loved for their nutty flavour and high nutritional value. These laddus are typically consumed after the month of October and are loved for their warming properties.
Key Ingredients:
- Sesame Seeds or Til
- Jaggery/Sugar
- Cardamom
- Ghee
What Are The Benefits Of Sesame Laddus?
- They’re rich in magnesium & calcium
- Known to enhance immunity
- Boosts bone health
- Provides energy & warmth
- Helps improve digestion
When To Eat Til Laddus?
Til Laddus can be best enjoyed as a mid-morning or evening snack, especially during winter, as it’s considered ideal for replenishing energy and keeping the body warm on cold winter nights.
Related Blog: Til Ke Laddu: Recipe, Variations, Health Benefits and More
2. Gond Laddu
Gond is a kind of edible gum and is known for its healing properties. This laddu is a favourite winter snack that’s known to support joint health and overall vitality.
Key Ingredients:
- Edible gum (gond)
- Wheat flour
- Nuts
- Jaggery/Sugar
- Ghee
What Are The Benefits of Gond Laddus?
- Improves blood circulation
- Acts as a natural anti-inflammatory
- Strengthens joints and bones
- Provides sustained energy
When To Eat Gond Laddus:
Gond Laddus are perfect for early mornings or as post-workout snacks during the winter months, as they’re known to support recovery and provide warmth.
3. Dry Fruit Laddus
Also known as energy laddus, these dry fruit laddus come packed with assorted nuts and dried fruits that provide your body with healthy fats, minerals, and vitamins.
Key Ingredients:
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Raisins
- Dates
- Figs
- Ghee
- Jaggery/Honey
What Are The Benefits of Dry Fruit Laddus?
- Boosts energy and stamina
- Supports brain function
- Strengthens immunity
- Rich source of antioxidants
- Helps maintain body warmth
When To Eat Dry Fruit Laddus?
Dry Fruit laddus are perfect as pre- or post-meal treats, especially before any physical activity or mental work.
Related Blog: Dry Fruit Laddu Recipe: Healthy & Tasty Sweet for All Ages
4. Besan Laddu or Gram Flour Laddu
Besan Laddus are classic, timeless treats made primarily with gram flour or besan and offer several nutritional benefits along with a warm and comforting taste. Gram flour is a protein-rich flour, making it ideal for consumption, especially during winter.
Key Ingredients:
- Gram flour/Besan
- Sugar/Jaggery
- Ghee
- Cardamom
- Dry Fruits
What Are The Benefits Of Besan Laddus?
- Supports healthy muscles
- Good for digestion
- High in protein
- Provides energy
When To Eat Besan Laddus?
Besan laddus are best enjoyed in the evening with tea or as a festive snack during cold days.
5. Finger Millet or Ragi Laddus
Ragi is a nutrient dense grain that’s known for its health benefits, especially during winter.
Key Ingredients:
- Ragi flour
- Jaggery
- Ghee
- Cardamom
- Nuts
What Are The Benefits of Ragi Laddus?
- Provides warmth & energy
- Aids digestion
- Regulated blood sugar levels
- Improves bone health
- Ragi Laddus are high in iron and calcium
When Should You Eat Ragi Laddus?
Ragi laddus can be the perfect addition to your breakfast or can be enjoyed as evening snacks on cold winter days.
Here Are Some Tips On How To Enjoy Winter Laddus
There are several ways to enjoy these delicious snacks that also enhance their taste and benefits.
- Pair your laddus with a glass of warm milk to enhance its nutritional value.
- Consume these in moderation to enjoy its benefits without the stress of excess calories.
- Store these laddus in airtight containers to retain their freshness.
- Share these laddus during festive gatherings to spread joy and warmth.
- Try making these at home with special ingredients from your pantry.
FAQs On Winter Laddus
Q1. Do winter laddus boost immunity?
Yes, many winter laddus are made using healthy ingredients that are rich in immunity boosting minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that help build a stronger immune system, especially during cold months.
Q2. Why do people recommend til laddus during winter?
Sesame seeds are known to generate internal warmth and also provide essential nutrients such as magnesium and calcium that help counter the effects of cold while maintaining energy.
Q3. What Laddus are best to eat during the winter season?
Ingredients such as sesame seeds, edible gum (gond), dry fruits, besan, and ragi are highly recommended during winter thanks to their health-boosting and warming properties.
Q4. Can I pair laddus with tea/milk?
Some laddus like besan or dry fruit laddus, pair nicely with tea or milk, making it a nice winter snack.
Q5. Can I switch sugar with jaggery?
Yes! Using jaggery instead of sugar enhances the laddus with minerals and is considered a healthier option than refined sugar.
To Conclude
Winter laddus are considered traditional healers by many Indians and are loved for their energy boosting properties that have stood the test of time. Include these laddus in your winter diet to add warmth, nutrition, and joy this season.
Stay Warm This Winter With Handmade Laddus From Shahi Food Products
If you’re looking for high-quality, authentic laddus, then Shahi Food Products offers handcrafted delights that are made from select ingredients. These laddus are made from traditional recipes that combine the highest quality of ingredients, making it the perfect winter snack that can be shared with your family, relatives, or friends while staying warm and nourished.