Ganesh Chaturthi: Jowar Laddoos For A Guilt-Free Celebration
Image Credit: Jowar Ladoos

One of India’s biggest festivals, Ganesh Chaturthi - which is also called Vinayaka Chaturthi - is starting on August 31. The festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesha and it is celebrated on the fourth day (chaturthi) of the Shukla Paksha (the bright lunar fortnight). 

It is an extravagant 10-day festival that is celebrated with a lot of fun, fervour, and food. Devotees around the world start preparing months before the festival begins. Bappa is known to have a sweet tooth, and so devotees leave nothing to please the deity. They prepare all sorts of sweet treats to offer to him. For instance, modaks, which are known to be one of his most favourite sweets, are prepared in large quantities and different varieties. Similarly, laddoos are also a preferred indulgence during this festival. And let’s just agree that laddoos have a special place in our heart too.  

Given how versatile laddoos can be, you can prepare different types of delectable laddoos this festive season. From the comforting atta laddoos to the scrumptious motichoor ke laddoos, there are many options to choose from. However, if you are looking for a healthier alternative this festive season, Hershey India and Chef Ranveer Brar have got you covered with a guilt-free substitute of strawberry-flavoured jowar laddoos that will let you enjoy the festivities without compromising on your diet.   

Share these delectable laddoos with your loved ones and offer them as bhog to Lord Ganesh, as you celebrate the big day to create flavourful memories. Here’s the recipe.

Ingredients: 

  • 3 cups roasted puffed jowar
  • ¼ cup slivered almonds 
  • ½ tbsp cardamom powder 
  • ½ tsp dry ginger powder 
  • 2 tbsps roasted chironji 
  • 1 tsp ghee 
  • 1 cup jaggery 
  • ½ cup strawberry-flavoured syrup 

Equipment:

  • 1 non-stick saucepan 
  • 1 non-stick spoon 
  • 1 ladle 
  • 2 glasses 

Method:

  • In a large kadai, heat ghee and add jaggery. 
  • Keeping the flame low, stir continuously until the jaggery melts. 
  • Add the strawberry-flavoured syrup and stir on low flame until it turns frothy. 
  • Check the consistency by dropping syrup into a bowl of water. It should form a soft ball. 
  • Turn off the flame and add dry roasted murmura and mix gently. 
  • To it , add roasted puffed jowar, slivered almonds, cardamom powder, dry ginger powder, and roasted chironji. 
  • Mix until the mixture is combined properly and the jaggery syrup is coated well. 
  • Grease your hand with ghee or wet your hand with water. 
  • Make the laddoos when the mixture is still warm.