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Like many Indian regions, several cultures across Maharashtrian territories also observe the Mahashivratri fast as a way of spiritual connection and a respite from spicy, heavy meals. The fasting foods prepared on this day are made-up of ingredients that are light on the gut, yet filling and nourishing enough to enable one to eat in moderation through the day.
Ladoos have a prominent place in Maharashtrian cuisine as quick snacks that provide instant energy and nutrition. On Mahashivratri day, several fast-friendly ladoos can be prepared as interesting options for mid-morning or early evening snacking to ward off those urgent hunger pangs.
Rajgira Ladoo
Rajgira or amaranth can be used as an utterly protein-rich, gluten-free snack option by blending popped rajgira or rajgira seeds with jaggery and peanuts into a wholesome ladoo. Rajgira ladoo is crispy, nutty, mildly sweet and quite easy to digest.
On the fast day, it can be mixed with plain milk so the ladoo softens and disintegrates into a creamy kheer-like meal. Or, the ladoo can be simply eaten by itself as an evening snack layered with the rich flavours of ghee and some crushed almonds. Rajgira is extremely healthy and quite filling and can work as a quick bite to satisfy those early afternoon food cravings.
Peanut Or Shengdana Ladoo
One of the most favoured fast-friendly ladoos, peanut or shengdana ladoo can be made in a mixer grinder within minutes. Just bring together roasted peanuts, some melted ghee and jaggery and a little bit of cardamom and blend it all together.
Shape this mixture into tiny ladoos that can be popped in the mouth as a sweet treat throughout the fast day. High in protein and rather filling, peanut ladoos can keep you feeling full for hours, automatically cutting down on any excess calorie intake on a day designed to be restful for the gut.
Dry Coconut Ladoo
Both wet and dry coconut are central to Maharashtrian cooking. Ladoos prepared using roasted dried coconut, jaggery, a hint of nutmeg and lots of ghee pack high amounts of energy and are said to be quite generous sources of essential, good fat.
Soft, aromatic and mildly sweet, dry coconut ladoos can be your go-to option that gives a feeling of energy and fullness without overdoing it on the calories. Make smaller ladoos using the dried coconut mixture than a medium-sized version because small portions of this sweetmeat are enough to induce satiety.
Til-Gud Ladoo
Although this is a staple sweet treat for the harvest festival, til-gul ladoo is made up of ingredients which can be consumed on fast days too. Bring together toasted sesame and melted jaggery with generous quantities of ghee and some dried coconut to prepare a ladoo that is crunchy, toasty and rich.
The sesame in the ladoo will provide warmth and sustained energy especially if you are observing a fast where all you eat is fruits, milk and such small sweet options, avoiding a full meal. Have the ladoo as a mid-morning meal so that the heat from the til-gud will be completely absorbed by the body and nourish it throughout the day.
Dates And Nuts Ladoo
This is an interesting option for anyone who wishes to cut down on added sweeteners altogether. Lightly toasted dates and ghee can be mixed with assorted crushed nuts like almonds and cashews to prepare a ladoo that is as healthy as it is delicious.
Dates add a natural sweetness to the preparation and lend the ladoo a very chewy, soft and gooey texture which makes these ladoos appear quite indulgent. Coat them in some poppy seeds, that are fast-friendly too, in order to prepare healthy ladoos with an elegant finish.
