Ingredients:
1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts), finely chopped or coarsely ground
1 cup pitted dates, finely chopped
1/2 cup dried figs, finely chopped
1/2 cup dried apricots, finely chopped
1/2 cup desiccated coconut (unsweetened)
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
Ghee (clarified butter) for greasing and shaping
Steps to prepare the Dry Fruits Ladoo:
- Prepare Dry Fruits:
- Start by finely chopping or coarsely grinding the mixed nuts. You can use a food processor or a chopping board and knife.
- Finely chop the pitted dates, dried figs, and dried apricots. Ensure that all the dried fruits are of uniform size.
- Combine Dry Fruits and Coconut:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped mixed nuts, chopped dates, chopped figs, chopped apricots, desiccated coconut, ground cardamom, and saffron strands if using.
- Mix everything well to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Process the Mixture:
If the mixture seems too coarse to hold together, you can transfer a portion of it to a food processor and pulse a few times to create a slightly finer texture. This will help the ladoos hold their shape better.
- Shape the Ladoos:
- Grease your palms with a little ghee. This will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Take a small portion of the mixture and press it between your palms to shape it into a compact round ladoo. You can adjust the size of the ladoos as per your preference.
- Repeat and Store:
- Continue shaping the mixture into ladoos until you've used up all the mixture.
- Place the shaped ladoos on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper. Let them air-dry for a couple of hours. This helps the ladoos set and hold their shape.
- Enjoy:
Your dry fruit ladoos are now ready to be enjoyed! They make for a nutritious snack or a healthy dessert. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for longer.
