Methiche laddo (Fenugreek sweets)

It was such a blessing to have my Mom help us out those first few post-delivery weeks! I think its the only time you have to be babied up while you settle into a rhythm caring for your own little baby :) While she was here in addition to the fresh lunches and dinners she also made a big batch of methiche laddo (fenugreek sweets). It is traditional in our region of India to gift fenugreek laddos to the new nursing moms. 

Benefits of fenugreek for lactation are well know. No one quite knows how it works but fenugreek is famous in many cultures as a milk-boosting herb. While fresh fenugreek leaves can be added to the daals and sabzis; the easiest way to get enough dosage of fenugreek for its lactation benefits is to either take fenugreek in capsule form or a better-tasting yummy alternative would be make these fenugreek ladoos which are made from powdered fenugreek seeds. 

While fenugreek seeds or powder is easily found in Indian grocery stores; for those in states, its also on Amazon.

Fenugreek seeds are naturally bitter - so the ladoos need good amount of sugar - however to each their own! I for one quite like the hint of bitterness just as much! I am planning to make a batch of these myself soon.

Next time you are thinking of making a care package or a gift basket for a new nursing mom who is a dear friend or a neighbor, consider making these laddos!

Recipe:
The recipe my Mom followed was the one from Ruchira (an old very famous Maharashtrian cookbook) but the ingredients and proportions are quite similar to what Chakli had posted here.

The only modifications we made were:
  1. We did not soak fenugreek prior as the recipe indicates. Soaking is considered to reduce its bitterness; however Aai did not find much difference with soaking and besides I like the hint of bitterness.
  2. We added lots of dried fruits and nuts for extra nourishment of the new mom!
  3. We did not add edible gum.
  4. Wheat flour can be reduced (or even eliminated)

Comments

Kanchan said…
Never tasted these, but heard about it. Are these same as Dinkache Ladoo ?

But quite an interesting recipe :)
Hamaree Rasoi said…
Very healthy and tasty looking ladoos. Feeling so tempted to try preparing them out now.
Deepa
Hamaree Rasoi
Delicious looking ladoos. PJ How are you ? Nice to see you again.
Rujuta said…
Lovely methiche ladoo.... Thanks for sharing the recipe...
It was lovely to run the marathon with you...
Happy Blogging & Best Wishes
Lisa Bacon said…
I've been looking for a healthy recipe just like this for my husband. Thanks for posting and will try a bit later.
Nupur said…
PJ- my mother bought me some methiche laddoo from Bombay but I confess they were too bitter to eat :( I could not stand it. Your idea of adding dry fruits and nuts is a very good one.
PJ said…
Kanchan, dinkache laddo are different. They are made out of edible gum as the main ingredient while methiche madhye methi is the star but you are right in that many times methiche laddo do include dink.

Deepa & Rujuta, thanks a bunch!

Pavithra, thanks! back after a long blogging break; feels good to be back here :)

Thanks Lisa! Hope this turns out well for you.

Thanks Nupur! yes, many folks don't like the bitterness of it.
Congratulations on the birth of your baby!

I did not know about the lactation benefits of methi - but I guess one learns something new everyday :)

My friend just had a baby in NJ last week and I will be seeing her this weekend. I'm definitely going to make a batch of these ladoos for her. Thanks for sharing!
abraham said…
Delicious looking ladoos.Never heard it before
Hamaree Rasoi said…
Pj How was you Holi celebration? Give my love to the little one. Regarding the nature of oats for Oats Upma that I had posted, well It was with quick oats. The only difference with rolled oats will be cooking time which may take little more time to cook.Hopw this is helpful..:-) Have a nice weekend dear
Deepa
lubnakarim06 said…
Hey...i don't know how i missed the news...anyways congrats on the new role...lots of love to the lil one....i too have read about this laddo's being taken by nursing mom's...but never tasted them....they look yum...take care...
halal foodie said…
laddos look very yummy PJ