Coconut, lime and mint ladoo

The original bliss ball or ‘energy ball’, an Indian ladoo is a ball-shaped sweet that’s usually made of nuts and dried fruit. The traditional name in Ayurveda is ‘modak’, which means a preparation that makes the inner body happy. Pilgrims were traditionally given ladoos on arrival at the holy sites, to boost energy and strengthen the spirit during meditation and prayer. The process of turning the quick mixture into even-sized balls is like a little meditation in itself! And a fun one to involve the kids. In Ayurveda, ladoos are seen to promote Agni (see here) and so make the perfect starter for lunch.

Makes 24 balls

200g (1¾ cups) ground almonds

140g (1¾ cup) desiccated coconut

3 tbsp maple syrup

zest of 2 limes

½ tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp peppermint extract

100g (½ cup) coconut oil

pinch of sea salt

1 Blitz the ground almonds, 60g (¾ cup) of the desiccated coconut, the maple syrup, zest, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, coconut oil and sea salt in a food processor, until chunky but evenly mixed.

2 Taste the mixture and add a drop more of the peppermint extract if needed, then blitz again.

3 Take small pieces from the bowl and roll them into twenty-four bite-sized balls with the palms of your hands. Refrigerate for around 20 minutes, until firm.

4 Spread out the remaining desiccated coconut and roll each ladoo in it until completely covered. Store somewhere cool or in the fridge for up to a week.

FEELING
VATA

Enjoy in warm weather.

FEELING
PITTA

Make the most of the cooling effects of the lime, coconut and mint by serving straight from the fridge. Be sure to savour slowly.

FEELING
KAPHA

Enjoy very occasionally in warm weather.