There is something incredibly nostalgic about the aroma of semolina roasting in pure desi ghee. Sooji Laddu has always been a staple in Indian households, especially during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi or Diwali. But if you’re looking for a version that moves away from refined sugar and embraces a deeper, more rustic flavor, this Jaggery-based Sooji Laddu is exactly what you need.
The secret to the incredible texture of these laddus lies in the “Muthiya” method. Instead of simply roasting the flour, we bind the sooji into firm chunks and deep-fry them in ghee. This process cooks the semolina from the inside out, creating a nutty, toasted flavor that you just can’t achieve with dry roasting. Once these chunks are cooled and crumbled, you’re left with a beautiful, grainy texture that is the hallmark of a perfect laddu.
Instead of a simple sugar syrup, we use melted jaggery (gur) as our sweetener. Jaggery doesn’t just add sweetness; it brings a rich, earthy complexity that pairs beautifully with the toasted semolina. It also makes these treats feel a bit more wholesome, providing a natural energy boost that’s perfect for growing kids or as a post-dinner treat.
The finishing touch—the tempering—is where this recipe truly shines. We quickly sauté sesame seeds and fresh grated coconut in ghee until they are just a hint of pink. This adds a layer of crunch and a tropical aroma that elevates the laddu from a simple sweet to a gourmet dessert.
Finally, rolling these into perfect lemon-sized balls and dusting them with poppy seeds (khus khus) gives them a professional, festive look. They are firm to the touch but crumble beautifully the moment you take a bite.
Whether you are preparing these for a special puja or just want to stock up your snack jar with something homemade and healthy, these laddus are a guaranteed hit. They store well, look beautiful, and taste like a piece of tradition in every bite.
Authentic Sooji Jaggery Laddu Recipe: Healthy Rava Laddu for Ganeshji Bhog
Ingredients
For the Dough and Frying
- 500 grams sooji semolina
- 125 grams ghee for the dough
- water as needed
- 200 grams ghee for frying
For the Sweet Base
- 250 grams jaggery adjust based on sweetness preference
- 100 grams ghee to melt jaggery
For the Tempering & Garnish
- 1 1/2 tbsp ghee
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/8 cup dry coconut grated into thin slices
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Semolina Dough
- In a large vessel, mix 500 grams sooji with melted 125 grams ghee. Gradually add small amounts of water, binding it into a firm, stiff dough.
- Shape the dough into small, elongated chunks (muthiyas).
Fry the Muthiyas
- Heat 200 grams ghee in a pan over medium heat. Fry the dough chunks until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let them cool completely.
Crumble and Sieve
- Once cooled, crumble the fried chunks by hand. For a uniform, grainy texture, pulse the crumbles in a mixer/grinder. Pass the mixture through a sieve to ensure there are no large lumps.
Prepare the Jaggery Base
- In a large pot, combine the 250 grams jaggery and 100 grams ghee. Heat over low-medium flame until the jaggery melts into a semi-thick liquid.
- Turn off the heat and stir in your prepared sooji mixture.
Add the Tempering
- In a small tempering pan, heat 1 1/2 tbsp ghee. Add the 1 tbsp sesame seeds until they splutter, then quickly stir in the grated 1/8 cup dry coconut. Once the coconut turns a light pink, immediately pour the tempering over the laddu mixture and combine well.
Shape the Laddus
- While the mixture is still warm enough to handle, take small portions and roll them into lemon-sized balls.
- Roll or sprinkle with poppy seeds for a beautiful finish.
Video
Notes
Calorie Estimates:
Please note that the calorie counts are estimates and may vary based on cooking methods, portion sizes, and specific ingredient brands. For the most accurate nutritional information, consider calculating based on your own measurements.We’d Love to Hear From You!
Have you ever tried the frying method for making laddus before, or is this your first time? We’d love to hear how yours turned out! If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment below and share it with your friends and family—nothing brings people together like a tray of homemade sweets!