Energy Laddu

Energy Laddu /Laadu /Unde is an easy dish and it helps to keep you full and provides energy. These energy laddu is prepared using dry coconut, jaggery, poppy seeds, oats, almonds, raisins and little ghee.

These laddu/laadu/unde is full of nutritious and healthy. Eating a laadu keeps you full for a long time. These Energy Laadu can be taken for travelling, kids snack box, kids parties and ladies kitty party.
These Energy Laddu is diabetic friendly and it has oats.

Lets see some benefits of eating poppy seeds in our diet.
Poppy seeds are filled with medicinal values. They helps to keep our mind and body cool. They are filled with anti-oxidants and a mono saturated fatty acid called Oleic acid. It helps in lowering the bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol level in blood. Poppy seeds have good source of dietary fiber.It is good for people who suffer from constipation. Poppy seeds are filled with B -complex vitamins. They contain good amounts of minerals like, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc and magnesium. Copper helps in the production of red blood cells. Potassium helps in regulating heart rate and blood pressure. It is good for soothing nervous irritability and act as pain killers. Poppy seeds are used in many traditional medicines and in the preparation of cough mixture.
Let is see the recipe now :

Ingredients :

Oats : 400 Grams
Almonds : 1 Small cup / 15 to 20 pods
Jaggery : 1 big cup 150 to 200 grams
Raisins : 1 Small cup
Ghee : 2 to 3 Tablespoons
Dry coconut : 1 ( Small one )
Cardamom : 5 to 6 Pods
Poppy Seeds : 2 Tablespoons
Home made Rose Gulkand : 2 Tablespoons

Method :

1. Dry roast oats for 5 minutes till the raw smell goes off. Dry grind once it is cooled.

2. Cut dry coconut into small pieces.

3. Dry grind almonds, dry coconut and oats like powder consistency.

4. Keep a pan on the fire and put jaggery and 1/4 cup of plain water. Let jaggery melt completely.
5. Let it boil and get one thread consistency. Stir in between and let it boil for another 2 to 3 minutes on low and medium flame. Add home made gulkand at this point. Mix it well. ( Optional ).

6. Put off the fire and keep the jaggery melted pan down. Add powdered oats, almonds, coconut, raisins and 2 tablespoons of ghee.

7. Mix all the ingredients nicely and take a small amount of the mixture and make laddu/laadu/unde.

8. Prepare more laddus and arrange it in a big bowl or tray.
9. Sprinkle poppy seeds on them and slowly turn the bowl, roll laddu and make the unde to get proper puppy seeds on each laddu.

10 Let all the laddus cool a bit. Now you can put them in a box and serve when ever you want.
11. 40 Laddus can be prepared.

12. Put them in a steel box and store. This Laddu can be kept for a week.

Note :

It is a must to use completely dry coconut.
I have used organic jaggery from Udupi. So did not filter the jaggery water. Used it directly.
Use of more ghee is optional. Use of gulkand is optional. Gulkand adds to the taste and aroma.
Add more ghee on the top of the mixture and prepare laddu quickly or add little warm milk and prepare laddu.
Time : 30 to 40 Minutes.
Serves : 40 Small Laddu can be prepared.
Purely Indian Sweet/Desert/ Energy Laddu.

Huri Hittu - Jaggery Unde /Laadu / Laddu

Huri Hittu is a preparation of Ragi/ Roasted finger millet's powder.
These Huri Hittu laddus are yummy, healthy and it is easy to prepare.

I have used Ragi Huri Hittu which was given by my son Ravi, he buys the organic flours and other day today groceries straight from farmers. This Huri hittu pack was bought from one of the organic former's shop.
I have not cooked or roasted anything on fire. It is just a mixture of all the ingredients, like finger millet ragi flour, jaggery, cardamom and almonds. I have used Joni Bella/ Organic jaggery. This Joni bella/ jaggery is is bit watery, it is done in that way. We normally use this jaggery, while drinking water. ( In hot summer, you put some little quantity of jaggery in mouth and drinking water. As the jaggey is already in your mouth, the water tastes sweet.
My memory goes down the lane for this Huri Hittu. ( Huri/ Roasted and Hittu flour). In our school days we used to see the kids eating this Huri hittu in the evenings as snack. It was simple and heavenly food. I too have tasted and it was hundred percent Yummy. They used to ( some of our friends mothers' used to wash and dry the ragi/finger millet in shade. ( In side the home). Then slowly they dry roast the ragi and it used to turn as slightly fluffy. Then when it is cooled they powdered in the mill. Store this flour in airtight boxes or tins or good container. Whenever they wanted to prepare the huri hittu, they remove the flour from the box, grated coconut, powder jaggery and mix all the ingredients nicely after adding ghee. Turn them as small lemon size balls or give the ragi coconut-jaggery ghee mixture as it is. Some has to pour milk and give. It was superb snack for the kids in the evenings during those days.
Here is a Huri Hittu laddu which is not at all needed to cook. This Ragi Huri hittu pack is available in the super market / organic shops and some people do prepare at home and sell the flour. But make sure you get the good quality of flour and enjoy eating this laddu.
I have used Alemane Bella/ fresh organic jaggery that is called Jone bella / fresh jaggery/ liquid jaggery which is available in Jaggery preparing place/Organic shops and markets.
Huri Hittu Unde/laddu can be packed for kids snack time. You can take them when you are travelling. It is one of the best snack in the evening.  It fits into all age group category.
Let us see the recipe now;

Ingredients :

Huri Hittu : 2 Cups
Almonds : 1 Cup
Jaggery/Joni bella : 2 to 3 Tablespoons
Cardamom : 5 to 6
Coconut : Dry copra/ Kobbari : 2 to 3 Tablespoons
Ghee : 1 Tablespoon
Raisins : 2 Tablespoons.

Method :

1. Dry grind almonds into powder form./Rava consistency. Keep it aside.
2. Grate  cocomut/kobbari and dry grind it. Let it be powder form.

2. Take a big bowl and put huri hittu, jaggery, cardamom powder, powdered almonds, dry coconut
 and Ragi Huri hittu.

3.Mix all the ingredients nicely by adding ghee.

4. Mix it nicely and take a small portion of the mixture and prepare

6.Prepare rest of the laddu in the same way and arrange them in a plate.

7. Serve them whenever you want to. Store them in a airtight bottle or box.  Shelf time One OR two days.

Note :

Huri hittu can be prepared at home with little care. Adding more/less jaggery is optional. Adding ghee should be little or more. You can use fresh coconut instead of dry copra/ kobbari. Dry roast coconut gratings and then dry grind once it is cooled.
Time : 15 Minutes
Serves  15 to 20 Laddu/Laadu/Unde .
Shelf Time : 1 or 2 Days
Purely South Indian Dish.

Jaggery Gulkand/ Rose Petals in Jaggery

Gulkand /Rose petals jam is very healthy extract from Rose petals.
Particular rose, ( light pink)  petals are dipped in jaggery or sugar and the rose scent is absorbed by jaggery/sugar and the petals starts to melt with jaggery. This syrup is known as Gulkand.

I have seen people go to eat gulkand as a sweet dish after their food. I also have seen Pan makers/Beetle leaves Paan use this gulkand to add the sweet taste. Now there are so many other essence available in the market.
We are very lucky to  have these pink rose plants in our home garden. ( Rose Plants are in the pot). We had been to one of our relation's house to see their terrace garden. They had beautiful flowers. They get the plants from a nursery which is very close to their house. We too thought of visiting the nursery and insisted our relatives to show the nursery. After seeing so many healthy plants we wanted to buy some flower plants Thats how we purchased these rose plants from that particular nursery.
The plants that we bought were so healthy and they still flower daily. The rose plants started to flowered and they are spreading the aromatic flavour around them.
Seeing these flowers I got this particular idea to prepare Gulkand. I got some  organic jaggery remaining in my kitchen. I used this jaggey ( Joni bella).
One has to wash the flowers nicely and check out for the worms before washing. Let it dry completely. ( The whole moisture should be evaporated ).

Let us see some benefits of having Gulkand in our diet.
Gul Means Rose Kand means sweet.
Gulkand is nothing but rose petals jam, a sweet preserve of rose petals. It is good for acitdity, gastritis, skin care, indigestion, ulcer and nosebleed, stress etc. Gulkand helps to reduce the excess heat in the body. It is good for people who suffer from itching, boils, blisters, Wrinkles and acne. It is a natural anti - aging treatment. Gulkand is rich in antioxidants, energy booster. Taking gulkand regularly helps to reduce severe ulcers, constipation and heart burning.  Use of gulkand in summer helps in preventing sun strokes, nostril bleeding and dizziness. Gulkand is good for excessive bleeding during menstruation. It also helps in providing glucose to our body and keeps us energetic. It prevents anemia. Gulkand is one of the health tonic and it keeps our metabolism healthy and fit. It helps in reducing acidity and a very good blood purifier.
Note :
Gulkand can be given to children every day. It provides energy and minerals.
 People who are diabetic do not consume this Gulkand every day.
Gulkand can be used while preparing sweets. It adds aroma (rose essence) and taste to the dish.
I have used this home made Gulkand to prepare Ragi Huri Hittu and Oats and Nuts Laddu.
They turned out to be a greater hit. I have distributed Oats - Nuts - Gulkand Laddu to some of our friends and relatives.

Let us see the recipe Now :

Ingredients :

Pink rose petals : 5 to 6 Rose flowers
Jaggery : 2 to 3 Tablespoons

Method :

1. Wash and separate rose petals and check . Put it on a plate or tray. Let all the moister disappear
from the flowers.

2. Now take a glass bottle and fill a teaspoon of jaggery and fill handful of rose petals.

3. Add little jaggery and then add some more rose petals. ( It should be done 2 or 3 times.

4. Take a bigger spoon and mix jaggery and rose petals slowly.
5. Cover the bottle with its lid and keep it in a corner or in the sunlight for 3 to 4 hours everyday. At least 2 to 3 hours a day till the petals turn soft. Mix it every day with a clean and dry spoon.
6. You can place it in fridge. Use it only after 8 to 10 days.   Or keep it out in the sun light for 3 to 4 days. And then you can use it. Use a clean dry spoon.
7. Rose Gulkand is ready to use and you can use it for sweets or you can also give this gulkand to people who are very weak, kids and elderly. It helps in boosting energy.

Note :

You should go on adding rospe petals and jaggery ( in small quantity.
Time : Adjust your time to prepare home made gulkand.
Recipe for Oats - Nuts - Gukand Unde / Laddu / Laadu

Oats Laddu :

Dry roast 5 to 6 glasses of oats on low flame slowly until the raw smell goes off. Let it cool.
Dry grind it. Dry grind  one full copra /kobbari. (Medium size).
Dry grind a cup of almonds and keep it aside.
Dry grind or cut figs, cashews, apricots,  walnuts into small pieces.
Add a handful of raisins.
Keep a pan and add 1 cup of grated jaggery. Add 1/4 cup of water and let it melt and starts to boil.
Sieve this jaggery water with a tea siever. (Filter it ). Keep the clean jaggery water on the flame.
Let it boil and turn 1 string consistency. Add dry ground oats, almonds coconut,  and cut/dry grind figs, cashews, walnuts and a handful of raisins. Mix it well nicely. Stir for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Add  1/2 Cup of ghee. (or little less ), a tablespoon of  gulkand and stir again, mix it well. Put off the fire.

 Now mix the sweet mixture again and take a handful of mixture. Prepare laddu and arrange in a tray.
Keep them in a glass jar /bottle  or air tight boxes once they are cool.
These Laddus were distributed to our friends.

Shelf stay : 1 Week . (If dry coconut /copra is used). 
OR 
2 to 3 Days. ( If fresh coconut is used). 
Time 30 Minutes.

Huri Hittu Unde :

Take 2 cups of f huri hittu ( Dry roasted ragi/finger millet), fresh coconut , some dry fruits/nuts
Put all the above ingredients in a big bowl, add grated coconut, 2 to 3 tablespoons of jaggery powder, 1 to 2 tablespoons of gulkand and 1 tablespoon of ghee. Mix all the ingredients nicely and prepare healthy Ragi Huri Hittina Unde. (Finger millet Laddu/Laadu/Unde).

Time : 10 to 15 minutes
Serves : As you wish. (15 to 18 Laddus can be prepared.
You can add this Gulkand to so many Sweets and give a teaspoon of  Gulkand to children every day that helps them to build strong bones and provide them energy.

Huri Hittu Unde / Dry roasted Finger Millet Laddu.

Huri Hittu is Ragi flour, which is washed, dry roasted and powdered . I got this Ragi Huri hittu from my son Ravi , who buys organic packs of grains and used it for making healthy  Huri Hittu laddu/ladu/unde. One or two laddus are enough to make your tummy full and a good snack in the evening.

I do remember that, one of my friend's mother used to prepare this Huri Hittu laddu and give it to her kids after they return from school. They used to eat this laddu and come back to play with us in school compound. Those were the really golden days. We had school from 10 to 1 and break for 1 hour and then it starts again from 2 to 5. Then we used to play for an hour and then get back home.
Coming back to these Huri Hittu Unde, in those days people used to clean ragi and then wash it. Dry it in a shade. (Inside the home ). Then dry roast and it pops up a bit. When it cools down they send this roasted ragi to mill and get it powdered. They use it whenever they want it.
They used to prepare Huri hittu in this way. Take some huri hittu flour and then add little coconut and powdered jaggery. Mix it well. Add very little ghee and then give a shape as small laadu/laddu. One laddu is enough to provide energy which is lost during the day. Tummy full and happy kids go back to play for a while. This is how we used to have time in our childhood days. No comparison for these days school and the study. No time to play for the kids and they are fully tired for the day when they come back from school. Feel so sad seeing the kids and their home work and the other work. The proverb say play while play work while work. But where is the time for play these days?
Let us see the recipe now :
I have used some dry fruits like dates, figs, apricots, almonds and dry raisins

Ingredients :

Huri Hittu : 2 Cups
Almonds : 1/2 Cup
Walnuts - 1/4 Cup
Figs : 5 to 6
Apricot : 5 to 6
Dry Raisins : 1 Cup
Dates : 2 to 3 Cups.
Cashew nuts :  5 to 6
Ghee : 1 Tablespoon
Coconut/Copra : 1 Cup ( One small kobbari/Kopra)

Method :

1. Remove the seeds from dates and keep it aside.
2. Dry grind kobbari/Kopra and put it in a big bowl.

3. Dry grind dates and all the nuts one by one or together.

4. Put it in a big bowl and put ragi huri hittu.

5. Add a tablespoon of ghee and mix it well.

6. Prepare Laddu/laadu by taking handful of dry fruits mixed ragi huri hittu.

7. Arrange them in a big bowl. Let it be there for 10 to 15 minutes.

8. Store them in a airtight bottle or box and serve or eat.

Note :

Use good variety of dates. Use of any nuts are optional. Dry grinding raisins along with other nuts is optional. ( I did dry grind the raisins). It helps to bind the flour tight. Use of ghee is optional.
Time : 30 Minutes.
15 to 20 Laddus can be prepared.