Naturally sweetened • Plant-based • No added sugar or oil
By Dr.Sirisha Potluri
These nutrient-dense ladoos combine walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds, sesame seeds and cacao with protein powder for a convenient snack. Pistachios are optional!
Ingredients
Nuts and seeds
1¼ cups walnuts
1 cup almonds
¼ cup ground flaxseeds
4–5 tbsp sesame seeds, coarsely ground
¼ cup unsalted pistachios (optional)
For binding and flavor
1½ cups pitted Medjool dates, to start
5–6 servings plant-based protein powder
3–4 tbsp unsweetened cacao powder
1 pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
2–4 tbsp water, only if needed
Protein powder tip: Use the serving size indicated on your protein powder label. Choose an unsweetened or lightly sweetened variety to control the sweetness.
Method
1. Process the nuts
Add walnuts and almonds to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, taking care not to turn them into nut butter.
2. Add the dates
Add the pitted dates gradually and process until the mixture begins to clump together.
3. Add the remaining ingredients
Add protein powder, ground flaxseeds, sesame seeds, cacao, salt, vanilla and optional pistachios. Pulse until evenly combined.
4. Roll and store
Test the mixture by pressing it between your fingers. If it is too dry, add a few more dates or a little water, one teaspoon at a time. Roll into small ladoos.
Storage and serving
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 1–2 weeks.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
Serving: Start with one small ladoo per serving; these are nutrient-rich but calorie-dense.
Nutrition notes
Walnuts: Provide ALA omega-3 fatty acids.
Almonds and pistachios: Supply unsaturated fats, fiber and minerals.
Flaxseeds: Provide ALA omega-3 fats and fiber. Grinding helps make their nutrients more accessible.
Sesame seeds: Contribute calcium, depending on the variety and processing.
Cacao: Provides polyphenols.
Protein powder: Increases protein content; the exact amount depends on the brand and serving size.
A few practical tips: Use fresh nuts and seeds, store them in airtight containers away from heat and light, and refrigerate the finished ladoos. Dates are nutritious, but adding more dates increases the natural sugar content. Since protein powder can make the mixture drier, adjust the dates gradually rather than automatically adding all of them.
