Indian Cardamom Rose Protein Laddu

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup chickpea flour (besan)
• 3 tbsp powdered sugar substitute
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp rose water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup ghee (or coconut oil, melted)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp cashews (chopped fine)
• 2 tbsp pistachios (chopped fine)
• 1 tbsp rose petals (dried, food-grade)
• 1/2 tsp additional ground cardamom
• Pinch of saffron (soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk)
• 2 tbsp finely chopped pistachios
• 1 tbsp dried rose petals
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar substitute

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat a dry skillet over medium-low heat

2. 2

   Add chickpea flour and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant and lightly golden

3. 3

   Remove from heat and let cool completely

4. 4

   In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, protein powder, coconut flour, toasted chickpea flour, powdered sugar substitute, cardamom, and salt

5. 5

   Add chopped cashews, pistachios, and rose petals to dry mixture

6. 6

   In another bowl, combine melted ghee, honey, vanilla extract, and rose water

7. 7

   Add soaked saffron with its liquid to wet ingredients

8. 8

   Pour wet ingredients over dry mixture

9. 9

   Mix until well combined and mixture holds together when pressed

10. 10

    If too dry, add more melted ghee 1 teaspoon at a time

11. 11

    Take portions and roll into 16 walnut-sized balls

12. 12

    For coating, mix chopped pistachios, rose petals, and powdered sugar substitute

13. 13

    Roll each laddu in coating mixture

14. 14

    Place on parchment-lined tray

15. 15

    Refrigerate for 1 hour until firm and flavors meld