Peanut Ladoo
Hawker • Singapore
About Peanut Ladoo
Peanut Ladoo is a classic Indian-inspired dessert found at select hawker stalls and Indian sweet shops across Singapore. These compact round sweets are made by blending roasted peanuts and sugar, sometimes enriched with ghee for a richer mouthfeel. Locally, they're usually served in paper cups or arranged on trays behind the glass counter, tempting passersby with their crumbly texture and nutty aroma. Peanut Ladoo is popular as a festive treat or after-meal sweet; vegetarian and halal-safe, it suits a variety of dietary preferences. Nutritionally, peanut ladoo packs a punch with 90.0 kcal per 100g, boosted by a notable protein content (13.0g) and high fat (28.0g) — mostly from peanuts and ghee. The carbohydrate count is also significant at 38.0g, so portion control is important if you’re watching your macros. The fiber (6.0g) helps it feel filling, but since each ladoo is fairly dense, sticking to one or two as a treat is sensible. If you want a lighter option, check for versions made with less ghee or sugar — some stalls offer these for health-conscious eaters.
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(for 3-4 small ladoos per serving)
- 1 cup Raw peanuts (kacang tanah)
- 1/2 cup Jaggery (gula merah)
- 2 tbsp Rolled oats (optional for fiber) - optional
- 1/4 tsp Cardamom powder (serbuk buah pelaga)
- 1 tbsp Coconut oil (minyak kelapa)
- a pinch Salt (garam)
- 1 tbsp Desiccated coconut (optional, for coating) - optional
- 2 tbsp Chopped dates (optional for natural sweetness) - optional
- 2 tbsp Water (to help bind)
Instructions
- 1
Roast the peanuts (kacang tanah) in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Allow to cool, then remove skins.
5 minutes
Keep stirring to avoid burning and achieve even roasting.
- 2
Grind the roasted peanuts into a coarse powder using a food processor. Do not over-grind to avoid releasing excess oil.
3 minutes
Pulse in short bursts for better texture.
- 3
Melt jaggery (gula merah) with 2 tbsp water in a pan on low heat. Stir until smooth and syrupy.
5 minutes
Use low heat to prevent crystallization.
- 4
Combine peanut powder, melted jaggery, cardamom powder, salt, oats, and coconut oil in a mixing bowl. Add chopped dates if desired.
3 minutes
Mix while the jaggery is still warm for easy binding.
Why This Dish 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.
Peanut Ladoo is packed with protein, healthy fats, and dietary fiber, thanks to peanuts, oats, and dates. Peanuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, magnesium, and B vitamins. Jaggery provides iron and minerals, while oats add soluble fiber for better digestion. This recipe is low in processed sugars and uses coconut oil for heart-healthy fat. The ladoos are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making them suitable for most diets. Portion control ensures balanced energy without excess calories.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use freshly roasted peanuts for maximum flavor and nutrition.
- 💡Tip 2: Adjust jaggery and dates based on sweetness preference and dietary needs.
- 💡Tip 3: Shape ladoos while mixture is warm for easy binding and smooth texture.
Storage & Serving
Store ladoos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Refrigerate for longer freshness, but allow to come to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 90.0 kcal |
| Protein | 13.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38.0 g |
| Total Fat | 28.0 g |
| Fiber | 6.0 g |
Cultural Notes
Peanut ladoo is commonly seen at Indian hawker stalls, especially during festive seasons like Deepavali. It’s a familiar sweet for many Singaporeans who grew up around Little India or in heartland hawker centres.
