
Thambittu Unde | Channa Ladoo is a healthy and delicious Indian Sweet from South India. The ladoo is gluten-free and rich in protein and fiber. The ladoo is made with roasted gram, coconut, and jaggery.
The combo of channa and gur ( jaggery ) is age-old. Perhaps this was one of the most common snacks, which our grandparents had. Channa, full of protein and gur with its healthy carbs, takes care of our hunger pangs. It is an ideal snack for weight loss. Here I have combined the two with some coconut to make it into a healthy sweet. The ladoo is a power booster.
I was an amateur at making ladoo, but my blogger friends have taught me how to make them. Ever since I love to make ladoos and constantly look for new recipes. Suma posted this Roasted Channa Ladoo for one of the A to Z challenges. I immediately bookmarked it, as the ladoo looked very tempting. Don’t you think so? Let us check this Indian sweet, that has a ball-like shape and is so versatile.
Ingredients for Thambittu Unde | Channa Ladoo
Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add a crunch to the ladoos. You can add or skip them.
Roasted Channa: Roasted Channa is easily available at all supermarkets. Since the channa is roasted, just grind it.
Dry Coconut: I have used grated coconut, toast it a little, and grind as it comes to room temperature.
Jaggery: Use organic jaggery, and melt it with ghee. A teaspoon of water helps the jaggery to melt easily.
Ghee: I prefer to use cow ghee as it is light and has a good aroma.
Cardamom Powder: Cardamom powder will lend a wonderful flavor as well as aroma to the ladoo.

How to make Thambittu Unde | Channa Ladoo
Dry roast the poppy seeds on low flame. Stir continuously till they change color. Transfer to a plate. Let cool.
Next toast the coconut on medium flame, for 2-3 minutes. Make sure to stir continuously. Transfer this toasted coconut also onto a plate. Allow cooling.
Now grind the roasted gram to a fine powder.
Grind the toasted coconut as well.
Combine poppy seeds, ground coconut, roasted channa powder, and cardamom powder. Mix well.
Heat together ghee, jaggery, and a tbsp. of water in a wide pan.
( Adding water is optional but this is a tip to melt the jaggery easily.)
Once the jaggery melts and starts to bubble add the powdered mix. Switch off the flame.
Mix well to combine everything.
Keep aside and let the mix cool a little.
Shape into balls or ladoos while the mix is warm.
Serving Suggestions
Offer the ladoo to God and serve them as Prasadam or serve it for festivals.
Serve it for breakfast or a snack, it will keep you satiated.
Carry it in a DIY box as an edible gift.
Place the ladoo in a tiffin, it even makes a perfect snack while traveling.
Storage Suggestions
Store the ladoo in an airtight container.
The ladoo stays good at room temperature for a couple of days, however, I like to refrigerate it for a fresher taste.
Can I customize this ladoo?
The ladoo tastes excellent by itself, but you can customize them in a number of ways
- Add a variety of either powdered or chopped nuts.
- If you prefer sugar, go ahead. You will need the same amount of sugar as jaggery.
- Replace cardamom with dried powdered rose petals. You could also add a few drops of rose essence.
- Replace the roasted channa with roasted peanuts.
Why should I make Thambittu Unde | Channa Ladoo ?
- The ladoo keeps you full for a longer time.
- It helps in weight loss.
- Takes care of Blood pressure
- It is good for the heart, skin, and bones as well.
- It is quick, easy, and healthy.
Can I make Channa Ladoo Vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan.
Skip the ghee completely or use either coconut oil or a little milk to bind the ladoo.

Some Healthy Ladoos
Thambittu Unde | Channa Ladoo
Equipment
- Pan / Kadai / Wok
- Mixer/ Grinder
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon Poppy Seeds
- 3/4 cup Dry Coconut grated
- 1 1/4 cup Roasted Gram
- 1/2 teaspoon Cardamom Powder
- 1/4 cup Ghee
- 3/4 cup Jaggery
Instructions
- Dry roast the poppy seeds on low flame. Stir continuously till they change colour. Transfer to a plate. Let cool.
- Next toast the coconut on medium flame, for 2-3 minutes. Make sure to stir continuously. Transfer this toasted coconut also onto a plate . Allow to cool.
- Now grind the roasted gram to a fine powder.
- Grind the toasted coconut as well.
- Combine poppy seeds, ground coconut, roasted channa powder and cardamom powder. Mix well.
- Heat together ghee, jaggery and a tbsp. of water in a wide pan.
- ( Adding water is optional but this is a tip to melt the jaggery easily.)
- Once the jaggery melts and starts to bubble add the powdered mix. Switch off the flame.
- Mix well to combine everything.
- Keep aside and let the mix cool a little.
- Shape into balls or ladoos while the mix is warm.

The ladoos look very attractive as well as healthy. We love ladoos with jaggery, specially in winters. Roasted channa ladoos sound very unique too.
Thanks for sharing.
Ladoos are my favorite, thambittu looks inviting, love the beautiful golden color ! A great snack anytime and a delicious gift during festivities,
I love coconut. Along with channa and jaggery this is SO yum! I am craving for it and feel like grabbing one right off the screen. Great share!
Loved both your laddo recipes and I got side tracked with your DIY gift box. These ladoos are ready to make and also great for festival gifting. Very nice Vaishali.