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A Memorable Breakfast in Nepal and the Comfort of Nostalgic Flavors

I recently found myself back in Nepal, and one morning, Lilly Bhauju invited me for breakfast. Her warmth and the vibrant spread on the table made the experience unforgettable. Each dish she served held a unique taste and brought back memories, especially the haluwa swari, which instantly transported me to my college days. Back then, I would often grab a simple meal from the street tea stalls—a plate of vegetarian curry with freshly made swari—and that would set me up for the whole day. But this morning’s breakfast was more than just nostalgia; it felt like a celebration of Nepal’s local flavors and traditions.

Among the dishes, Lilly Bhauju offered a variety of bite-sized snacks, including her version of protein balls, which I fondly called laddu. She made flaxseed protein balls that were not only delicious but also nourishing. Alongside, there were sesame laddus, a classic Nepali sweet often prepared as prasad (a blessed offering) for Hindu God Ganesh on Tuesdays. The dates and peanut balls were a new addition, packed with natural sweetness and crunch, giving me a refreshing perspective on the local ingredients I’ve known all my life.

Rediscovering Laddus with Local Ingredients

Laddus are a traditional Nepali snack, often made with wholesome ingredients like dry fruits, nuts, and seeds. They are similar to protein balls in Western cuisine but often use ingredients that are familiar and readily available in Nepal, like sattu (roasted grain and gram flour). Packed with protein and fiber, laddus can be enjoyed as a pre-or post-exercise snack, much like protein balls. In fact, laddus have a centuries-old legacy in Nepalese kitchen, not just as treats but also as sustenance during fasting and festive occasions.

Lilly Bhauju ’s flaxseed protein balls were filled with the flavors of Nepal: earthy, slightly nutty, and subtly spiced. Flaxseeds, known locally as ‘Alsi,’ are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making these protein balls as nutritious as they were tasty.

The dates and peanut balls added natural sweetness and richness, which complemented the sesame laddus—famous as a symbol of offering and devotion in Hindu culture.

Protein Balls and Laddus: A Healthful Twist on Tradition

While traditional laddus are often made with ghee and sugar, protein balls offer a healthier alternative. Combining ingredients like oats, nut butters, flaxseeds, and protein powder, these snacks provide high amounts of protein and fiber, catering perfectly to an active lifestyle. The versatility of protein balls also makes them easy to customize, using whatever is on hand—such as sattu or locally grown nuts, which add a unique flavor and texture.

For anyone who appreciates the classic sesame laddu, try incorporating sattu or flaxseeds into your recipe for a high-protein version. Similarly, peanut butter, dates, and whey protein can make a sweet and satisfying protein ball that not only fuels your day but also satisfies that sweet tooth.

Crafting Your Own Protein Balls

Inspired by local ingredients, here’s a simple recipe for protein balls using sattu and a few pantry staples:

Ingredients

• 150g sattu (or roasted grain and gram flour)
• 50g protein powder of choice
• 2 tbsp ground flaxseeds
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 150g nut butter (peanut or almond)
• 4 tbsp plant milk

Instructions

• Combine sattu, protein powder, flaxseeds, and cinnamon in a bowl.
• Add vanilla, honey, nut butter, and milk, stirring until everything is well mixed.
• Roll the mixture into small balls with damp hands and chill for 30 minutes.

These sattu protein balls are nutrient-dense and infused with the flavors of Nepal. Simple yet fulfilling, they bridge the gap between traditional laddus and modern protein snacks, honoring our roots while supporting a healthy lifestyle.

Nepal’s rich culinary history, along with the innovations we bring to it, allows us to enjoy the best of both worlds: timeless flavors and the health-conscious choices of today.