Aleevache Ladoo

 

 Aleev seeds are nutritious bitter seeds that are used in many cultures in cooking. I only found out about them when my mother made ladoos or sweet dessert balls from them. They are packed with Vitamin A and C and folic acid which are necessary for post partum women.  Aleev seeds are consumed are claimed to aid in breast milk production. And from my personal experience, I can surely say that "this works". I brought my aleev seeds from India as a little supply of them goes a long way.

 

When I researched online, I found that Aleev is similar to watercress seeds. Watercress seeds can be bought from organic stores here in the US. But, I cannot strongly confirm both are indeed the same as I have not tried the watercress seeds here.

 

 

 

 

 These ladoos are so delicious and are not just for post partum women!

 

1/4 cup aleev soaked in 1 cup of water for 6 hours

1 cup shredded coconut

3/4 cup shredded jaggery

3/4 cup rava or semolina

8 to 10 cardamom pods, remove from the shell and powder

1/2 tsp nutmeg, shredded

1/4 cup coarsely ground walnuts

1/4 cup coarsely group khareek (dried dates - available at Indian grocery stores!)

1/4 cup coarsely ground almonds

 Ghee

 

1. Heat some ghee in a pan. Roast the rava or semolia on low heat until fragrant.  Set aside.

2. In the same pan, add the soaked aleev seeds. Add a few tbps of water and cook the seeds constantly working your spatula until all the water from the seeds is evaporated. (the water that you soaked the alieev seeds in)

3. Add the shredded coconut to the pan and stir for 5 minutes.

4. Add the jaggery and keep stiring/mixing until the mixture becomes thick.

5. Then add 1/4th cup water and continue cooking until its bubbly.

6. Then add the roasted rava to the pan and 1 tbsp of ghee - then stir and mix well.  Cover and cook on low flame for about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the cardammom, nutmeg, almonds, walnuts, and khareek/dates and mix well. Cover and cook for another few minutes until the mixture thickens up. Uncover and set aside to cool for about 20 minutes.  

7. Make ladoos with your hands. Makes about 25 medium size ones!