Winter is the season of warm, comforting sweets. Instead of bringing sugar-loaded mithai from the market, making traditional sweets at home is a healthier and safer option. From sesame-jaggery laddus and peanut chikki to carrot and moong dal halwa—Indian kitchens are full of winter delicacies. One such highly nutritious sweet is Moong Dal Laddu.

These laddus are rich in protein, healthy fats, and energy-boosting nutrients. The addition of dry fruits further increases their nutritional value. While they are delicious and loved by both kids and adults, they should still be enjoyed in moderation because of their sugar and ghee content.

People make moong dal laddus in different ways—some using roasted green moong dal and others using washed and soaked moong dal. Today, we’re sharing the recipe for washed moong dal laddus, which turn out soft, aromatic, and absolutely melt-in-the-mouth.

Ingredients for Moong Dal Laddu

• Washed moong dal – 200 grams

• Powdered sugar or raw khandsari – 1½ cups

• Pure ghee – 1 cup

• Almonds – ¼ cup (50–60 grams)

• Cashews – ¼ cup

• Pistachios – 8 to 10

• Green cardamom – 8 to 10

• Extra almonds for garnish – 8 to 10

Note: If you increase the quantity of moong dal, you must also increase the ghee and dry fruits to maintain proper taste and texture.

How to Make Protein-Rich Moong Dal Laddu

Step 1: Soak the Dal

Wash the moong dal twice with clean water. Soak it for 3 to 4 hours until it swells properly.

Step 2: Drain & Grind

Once soaked, drain the excess water using a sieve. Grind the dal in small batches into a coarse powder. Along with this, grind the almonds into powder as well.

Step 3: Chop the Dry Fruits

Finely chop the remaining almonds and cashews. Thinly slice the pistachios lengthwise.

Step 4: Roast the Dal

Heat ghee in a heavy pan on low flame. Keep aside 1 tablespoon of ghee. Add the ground moong dal and roast it slowly. Stir continuously so it does not burn. After about 25 minutes, the dal will release aroma and ghee will start separating—this means it’s well roasted.

Step 5: Prepare the Laddu Mixture

Transfer the roasted dal into a large bowl and let it cool slightly. Add almond powder, powdered cardamom, sugar, chopped cashews, and mix everything well.

Step 6: Shape the Laddus

Grease your palms with the remaining ghee. Take small portions of the mixture and shape into round laddus. Garnish each laddu with pistachio slices on top.

Storage Tip

Store these laddus in an airtight glass jar. They stay fresh for 20–25 days at room temperature.

Why You Should Eat Moong Dal Laddu in Winter

• High in protein

• Boosts energy and immunity

• Good for muscle strength

• Keeps the body warm

• Healthy alternative to market sweets