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Til Ladoo (Sesame Jaggery Ladoo)

Name: Til Ladoo (Sesame Jaggery Ladoo)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup White Sesame Seeds (Til), 3/4 cup Jaggery (grated or finely chopped), 1 tbsp Ghee, 1/2 tsp Cardamom Powder, 1 tbsp Water (optional, for melting jaggery)

By Recipe Heaven Kitchen17 Mar 20260

Prep15 min

Cook15 min

Servings12

DifficultyEasy

Embrace the warmth and goodness of Makar Sankranti with traditional Til Ladoo! These delectable, energy-packed Indian sweets are made with wholesome sesame seeds and nutrient-rich jaggery, delicately flavored with cardamom. Our easy-to-follow recipe ensures perfectly shaped, melt-in-your-mouth ladoos, offering a healthy and delicious treat for the festive season. Learn how to prepare these beloved winter delights at home with simple steps.

Written by

Abhishek Akbari

Home cook and food blogger behind Recipe's Heaven. Every recipe here is personally tested in my kitchen — from quick weeknight dinners to festive Indian feasts — so you get results that actually work.

Ingredients

1 cup White Sesame Seeds (Til), 3/4 cup Jaggery (grated or finely chopped), 1 tbsp Ghee, 1/2 tsp Cardamom Powder, 1 tbsp Water (optional, for melting jaggery)

Instructions

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Step 1: Roast Sesame Seeds: In a heavy-bottomed pan, dry roast the white sesame seeds on low-medium heat, stirring continuously, until they start to lightly change color, puff up slightly, and become aromatic (approx. 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to over-roast, as they can turn bitter. Transfer to a plate and let them cool completely.
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Step 2: Prepare Jaggery Syrup: In the same pan, add 1 tbsp ghee and grated jaggery. If the jaggery is very dry, add 1 tbsp water. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously, until the jaggery melts completely and forms a smooth, thick syrup. To check consistency, drop a small amount into cold water; it should form a soft ball. Do not overcook, or the ladoos will become hard.
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Step 3: Combine and Add Flavor: Remove the pan from heat. Immediately add the roasted sesame seeds and cardamom powder to the melted jaggery. Mix very quickly and thoroughly with a wooden spoon or spatula until all the sesame seeds are well coated with the jaggery syrup.
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Step 4: Shape the Ladoos: While the mixture is still warm (but cool enough to handle), grease your palms with a little ghee. Take small portions of the mixture and quickly roll them into smooth, round ladoos (approx. 1.5-2 inches in diameter). Work quickly as the mixture will harden as it cools. If the mixture hardens too much, you can gently warm it over low heat for a minute to soften again.
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Step 5: Cool and Store: Arrange the shaped Til Ladoos on a plate lined with parchment paper. Let them cool completely at room temperature until firm. Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 weeks. Enjoy these nutritious and delicious Til Ladoos!

Frequently asked questions

How to prevent Til Ladoos from becoming hard?▾

The key is not to overcook the jaggery syrup. Cook it just until it melts and reaches a soft ball consistency when dropped in cold water. Overcooking the jaggery will make the ladoos hard.

My mixture hardened too quickly; what can I do?▾

If the mixture hardens before you finish shaping, you can gently warm it on very low heat for a minute or two, stirring constantly, to soften it slightly. Be careful not to overheat.

Can I use brown sesame seeds instead of white?▾

Yes, you can use brown sesame seeds. They have a slightly stronger, nuttier flavor than white sesame seeds. The roasting and preparation process remains the same.

Are Til Ladoos healthy?▾

Yes, Til Ladoos are considered quite healthy, especially in winter. Sesame seeds are rich in calcium, iron, and healthy fats, while jaggery is a good source of iron and minerals. They provide warmth and energy.

Can I add nuts or other flavors?▾

Certainly! You can add finely chopped peanuts, cashews, or desiccated coconut to the mixture along with the sesame seeds. A pinch of nutmeg powder also enhances the flavor.