Today, I will be sharing a healthy ladoo recipe made with aliv seeds (also known as halim seeds or garden cress seeds), which are called saliyal arisi or sali vidai in Tamil. These nutrient-packed ladoos made with halim seeds (also known as garden cress seeds) are a great way to boost your health, improve iron levels, and promote healthy skin and hair. Here’s how you can make them at home!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup halim seeds (garden cress seeds)
• 1 1/2 cups water (to soak halim seeds)
• 1 handful almonds
• 1 handful cashew nuts
• 1 handful pistachios
• 1 cardamom pod
• 1 cup grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
• 1 tsp ghee
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup jaggery powder (adjust based on desired sweetness)
• Additional desiccated coconut (if needed)

Instructions:

1. Soak 1/4 cup of halim seeds in 1 cup of water. These seeds absorb water quickly, so you can add more water if necessary. Let them soak for 2-3 hours until they take on a jelly-like consistency. I used a total of 1 1/2 cups of water.
2. Heat a pan and add a handful of almonds and cashew nuts. Roast them well for a few minutes. Then, add a handful of pistachios and continue roasting until all the nuts are nicely roasted. Set them aside to cool completely.
3. Once the nuts have cooled, grind them along with a cardamom pod to make a slightly coarse powder.
4. In the same pan, add 1 tsp of ghee and roast 1 cup of grated coconut (either fresh, desiccated, or dry coconut) until it turns golden brown. I used a mix of fresh and desiccated coconut. You can choose whichever type you prefer.
5. Add the soaked halim seeds to the roasted coconut mixture and stir them well to combine.
6. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of jaggery powder to the mixture, depending on how sweet you like it. Mix everything well and continue to cook until the jaggery melts. Add a little ghee at regular intervals to enhance the aroma and texture of the ladoos.
7. If you haven’t used 1 cup of fresh coconut, you can add additional desiccated coconut at this point. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens.
8. Now, add the powdered nuts to the mixture and stir well until everything is combined and forms a dough-like consistency.
9. Switch off the stove and allow the mixture to cool completely. Once cooled, shape it into small, lime-sized ladoos. The ladoos will be slightly soft but will firm up after cooling.
10. Store the ladoos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy 1 ladoo daily for the best health benefits.

Tips:

• Halim seeds can produce heat in the body, so it’s best to consume these ladoos during cooler weather or in smaller quantities during the summer months.

Benefits of Aliv Seeds (Halim Seeds) (source online. Always check with your physician) Aliv seeds, also known as garden cress seeds or halim seeds, offer numerous health benefits: 1. Rich in Iron: Helps prevent anemia and boosts energy. 2. Promotes Healthy Skin: Reduces acne and wrinkles. 3. Boosts Immunity: Packed with vitamins and minerals. 4. Supports Hair Growth: Nourishes the scalp and strengthens hair. 5. Regulates Menstrual Health: Balances irregular periods. 6. Aids Digestion: Improves digestion and prevents constipation. 7. Supports Bone Health: Rich in calcium for stronger bones. 8. Detoxifies the Body: Supports liver health and toxin removal. 9. Balances Blood Sugar: Helps regulate blood sugar levels. 10. Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and supports joint health. 11. Promotes Heart Health: Lowers bad cholesterol and improves cardiovascular health. Incorporating aliv seeds into your diet can enhance your overall health, benefiting iron levels, skin, hair, and more!