How to Make Peanut Ladoo (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Peanut Ladoo is a beloved dessert in Singapore’s vibrant kopitiam and hawker food scene, often featured during festivals and gatherings. This sweet treat, with deep roots in Indian heritage, has become a staple in Singapore’s multicultural cuisine, enjoyed by locals for its nutty flavor and satisfying texture. As Singapore embraces fusion influences, Peanut Ladoo is sometimes found with twists like reduced sugar or added oats, making it perfect for health-conscious urbanites. The classic Singaporean Peanut Ladoo is crafted with roasted peanuts, jaggery, and a hint of cardamom, offering a taste of nostalgia and tradition. Its bite-sized form makes it ideal for sharing at hawker centers or as a portable snack after a meal at the kopitiam. The rich aroma and sweet nuttiness pair beautifully with local teas, making it a cherished dessert for breakfast or lunch. This healthy recipe is easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and is naturally vegetarian, making it accessible to a wide range of diets in Singapore’s diverse food landscape.
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Roast the peanuts (kacang tanah) in a dry pan over medium heat unti...
Roast the peanuts (kacang tanah) in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Allow to cool, then remove skins.
Step 2 · Grind the roasted peanuts into a coarse powder using a food processor
Grind the roasted peanuts into a coarse powder using a food processor. Do not over-grind to avoid releasing excess oil.
Step 3 · Melt jaggery (gula merah) with 2 tbsp water in a pan on low heat
Melt jaggery (gula merah) with 2 tbsp water in a pan on low heat. Stir until smooth and syrupy.
Step 4 · Combine peanut powder
Combine peanut powder, melted jaggery, cardamom powder, salt, oats, and coconut oil in a mixing bowl. Add chopped dates if desired.
Step 5 · Shape the mixture into small
Shape the mixture into small, firm ladoos (balls) using your hands. If mixture is dry, add a splash of water.
Step 6 · Optional: Roll each ladoo in desiccated coconut for extra flavor an...
Optional: Roll each ladoo in desiccated coconut for extra flavor and texture.
Step 7 · Allow the ladoos to cool and set for 10 minutes before serving or s...
Allow the ladoos to cool and set for 10 minutes before serving or storing.
Why this recipe is healthy
By using jaggery instead of refined sugar, Peanut Ladoo delivers a lower glycemic index, sustaining energy and reducing sugar spikes. Peanuts and oats provide protein and fiber, aiding satiety and muscle recovery. Coconut oil adds healthy fats, supporting metabolism. This dessert is free from artificial additives, making it a wholesome, nutrient-dense choice for Singaporeans seeking a healthier sweet treat.
A note on tradition
Peanut Ladoo is often handmade and shared during Deepavali and other celebrations in Singapore’s Little India and popular hawker centers. Its simple preparation and portability make it a favorite in kopitiams, where it accompanies tea or kopi. The dish reflects Singapore’s multicultural fusion, blending Indian tradition with local tastes. Typically eaten as a breakfast treat or festive dessert, Peanut Ladoo is a symbol of togetherness and generosity.