One ounce of almonds provide six grams of protein with other important nutrients like Vitamin E, riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, calcium and fiber. Consuming nutrient dense almonds reduces risk of heart disease, lowers bad cholesterol. Drinking almond milk helps to reduce body inflammation, promotes healthy blood vessels. Studies show that there is no link between consuming almonds and weight gain. It means the fiber and fat content makes us feel full and does not add to weight gain!

Almonds can be consumed in different ways. It is popular replacement for dairy milk and vegans use almond milk, almond butter in place of regular dairy products. Almond flour (meal) is an alternative for gluten free flour.

This Diwali, try this very simple and easy protein rich Almond laddoo (Badam laddoo) recipe.

Ingredients:

1. Almonds: 2 cups
2. Jaggery: 1 cup (powdered) (or powdered sugar)
3. Coconut or copra: ½ cup
4. Cardamom powder : ¼ tsp
5. Cashew: Few pieces
6. Raisins: Few
7. Ghee (clarified butter): 2 tsp (optional)

Preparation:

1. Prepare jaggery powder.
2. Dry roast almonds in a pan. You can roast them in microwave for one to two minutes.
3. Dry roast coconut for couple of minutes.
4. Allow roasted contents to cool.
5. After cooling, powder roasted almonds.
6. Powder coconut and cardamom. Mix powdered almond and coconut. Mix well.
7. Add jaggery powder (or powdered sugar) and cardamom powder to almond and coconut powder mix. Transfer contents to blender and blend again. 
8. Once the powder and jaggery mixes, you will be able to prepare laddoos. Take a small portion of the mix and try making a small ball to test it out.
9. Add small pieces of cashews and raisins. If you are using ghee, add it now and mix well.
10. Prepare equal size laddoos. Store in an airtight container.

*Adding ghee helps to bind the powder well. If you prefer dry laddoo then you can make almond laddoo without ghee.

Image credit: Image by Sayantani Ghosh dastidar from Pixabay (Laddoo- Free for commercial use)