Ever since I started researching calcium-rich foods for kids, I became aware of the amaranth plant and its many benefits. Since then I have been using amaranth flour to make pancakes, ladoos, energy bars, and more.
In this post, I will share with you a yummy and healthy amaranth ladoo recipe that is perfect for toddlers, older kids, and adults.
Amaranth is called rajgira or ramdana locally and is a pseudocereal just like quinoa or millet. These three are also considered ancient grains and are rich in many minerals and antioxidants.
To understand the benefits of millets read here.
BENEFITS OF AMARANTH
The amaranth grain and flour are rich in fiber and protein. It is also a good source of minerals such as manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and iron.
If you are wondering about the benefits of rajgira for babies and toddlers, it is no doubt a useful variety to add to your family’s diet.
USES OF AMARANTH FLOUR
Amaranth flour can be used to add to chapati dough, parathas in ladoos, and pancakes. You can also use sprouted amaranth in salads.Â
Check these unique rajgira recipes :
My ebook, The Easy Toddler Snack Book contains recipes for amaranth pancakes for toddlers and older kids.
AMARANTH LADOO RECIPE
I make these rajgira ladoos when I batch prepare my snacks on the weekend. They can be stored in an airtight container and easily last for about 7-10 days.
The ladoos are soft and gooey in texture which makes them appealing to little ones.
Let’s look at the recipe,
Amaranth Ladoo Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup amaranth flour
- 1/4 cup ghee
- 1/2 cup jaggery powder
- 1/3 cup crushed almonds
Instructions
- Roast the amaranth flour in ghee until an aromatic flavor is released and the flour changes color to light brown.
- Add roasted and crushed almonds and jaggery powder to this flour and mix well on low flame.
- Now turn off the flame and use the warm mixture to make round ladoo shapes.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in a cool dark cupboard. Should last up to 10 days.
- To make rajgira ladoo for babies, skip the jaggery and add chopped dates instead. Once the mixture of amaranth and almonds is roasted in the pan, cool down for a while. Then add the amaranth flour and almonds to a mixy with the chopped dates. Blitz until well combined and make into ladoo shapes. Sugar-free amaranth ladoos for babies are ready.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
This ladoo recipe is quick to make and perfect for energetic toddlers. I usually make a batch on the weekend as a prepared snack option for the week.
Ladoos are also a great way to include different types of flour and nuts and seeds into the diet.
These amaranth ladoos are rich in calcium and iron. To meet toddlers growing requirements for iron and calcium it is important to include nutrient dense foods in every meal.
Here is a look at some more food ideas for calcium-rich foods and iron rich foods to add to your child’s plate.
Lentil patties for babies and toddlers
Chicken patties for babies and toddlers
High protein smoothies for kids
Almond milk drink for toddlers
Save this pin to refer to the recipe in the future.
Do you make ladoos for children? Which ladoos do your children enjoy? Share with me in the comments below.