Murmura ladoos are a beloved Indian sweet treat. These bite-sized goodies are made from puffed rice (known as Murmurs), jaggery, and a few simple spices. They are not only delicious but also straightforward to prepare. In this guide, we walk you through the ingredients and steps required to make crispy murmur lads at home.
Understanding the Ingredients
Before diving into the recipe, it’s helpful to understand what each ingredient does:
- Murmura: Also called puffed rice, is a light and crunchy ingredient commonly used in Indian snacks.
- Jaggery: This is an unrefined sugar made from cane juice. It has a rich, unique flavour and is used in many traditional Indian sweets.
- Ghee: Ghee is clarified butter. It is used in cooking and baking due to its high smoke point and mild flavour.
- Cardamom Powder: This spice has a warm and aromatic taste that adds depth to the lads’ flavour.
- Almonds: Chopped almonds add a nutty crunch and enhance the texture of the ladoos.
Recipe for Crispy Murmura Ladoo
Ingredients
- 2 cups of murmura (puffed rice)
- 1 cup of jaggery, grated
- 1/4 cup of ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder
- 1/4 cup of chopped almonds
Preparations
- Melt the Jaggery: Mix the ghee in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the grated jaggery to the pan. Stir it continuously until the jaggery melts completely. This step is crucial because you need the jaggery to turn into a smooth syrup.
- Add the Spices: Once the jaggery has melted, add the cardamom powder to the pan. Stir it in and let it cook for a few more seconds. This helps release the cardamom’s aroma and flavour into the jaggery syrup.
- Combine with Murmura: Take the pan off the heat. Add the murmur to the jaggery mixture. Stir everything together well so that the murmur is coated evenly with the jaggery syrup.
- Cool and Shape: Allow the mixture to cool down a little. Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, shape it into small balls. You can use your hands or a spoon to form these balls.
- Roll in Almonds: Roll each ladoo in the chopped almonds. This will coat the outside of the ladoos with a crunchy layer of nuts.
Tips For Making Perfect Murmura Ladoo
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Murmura ladoos turn out perfectly:
- Quality Ingredients: For the best taste, use fresh murmur and high-quality jaggery. The quality of these ingredients can greatly affect the flavour of your ladoos.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you like your sweets to be sweeter or less sweet, you can adjust the amount of jaggery used. Taste the mixture before shaping the ladoos, and add more jaggery if needed.
- Storage: Store your ladoos in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week. If you live in a very humid area, you might need to refrigerate them to keep them crispy.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with flavours. You can add other spices like cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg. Mixing in chopped dried fruits like raisins or apricots can add extra sweetness and texture.
Nutritional Benefits Of Murmura Ladoo
Even though Murmura ladoos are a sweet treat, they offer some nutritional benefits:
- Carbohydrates: Murmura is rich in carbohydrates, which are essential for providing energy to your body. These carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, the primary fuel source for your cells. By consuming murmura, you help maintain your energy levels throughout the day. Additionally, the carbohydrates in murmura can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, which can be beneficial if you’re trying to manage your weight. Overall, murmura is a nutritious choice for sustained energy.
- Fibre: Murmura is a good source of dietary fibre, which is crucial in aiding digestion and maintaining a healthy digestive system. The fibre helps to regulate bowel movements, preventing constipation and promoting regularity. By adding murmura to your diet, you support digestive health and contribute to overall well-being. The fibre content also helps to keep you feeling full longer, which can assist in weight management and prevent overeating.
- Iron: Murmura contains iron, a vital mineral for producing red blood cells and maintaining healthy blood. Iron is crucial for transporting oxygen throughout the body and supporting various bodily functions. Consuming murmura helps ensure you get enough iron, which can prevent iron deficiency and associated conditions like anaemia. This essential nutrient also supports overall energy levels and helps maintain good health by aiding in the effective functioning of your body’s systems.
- Antioxidants: Jaggery and the spices used in ladoos possess antioxidant properties that protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can harm cells and contribute to various health issues. The antioxidants in jaggery and spices help neutralise these harmful molecules, reducing oxidative stress and supporting overall health. By incorporating these ingredients into your diet, you can enhance your body’s defence against cellular damage and promote well-being.
To serve crispy Murmura ladoos, arrange them on a clean serving platter. These delightful treats are best enjoyed fresh, so aim to serve them soon after preparation to retain their crispiness. You can present them individually, allowing guests to pick up their own portion, or decoratively arrange them for a more elegant display. For a touch of sophistication, you might garnish the platter with a few whole almonds or a sprinkle of edible gold leaf, if desired.
Murmura ladoos are versatile and can be served as a sweet snack during tea time, a festive treat during celebrations, or a quick energy boost throughout the day. They pair well with chai or coffee, enhancing the overall experience. If you’re serving them at a gathering or special occasion, consider placing them in attractive bowls or boxes to make the presentation even more appealing.
These ladoos are versatile and can be enjoyed on various occasions. Whether you’re preparing them for a festive celebration or need a quick snack, Murmura ladoos will surely be a hit. They offer a blend of sweetness and crunch that is both satisfying and wholesome. Additionally, they can be stored in an airtight container, making them convenient for on-the-go snacking or as a homemade gift. Making these ladoos can be fun to share with friends and family, offering a chance to enjoy a tasty and healthy treat together.
