Besan Laddu is a traditional Indian sweet made from roasted gram flour (besan), ghee (clarified butter), sugar, and aromatic spices like cardamom. The roasted gram flour is mixed with ghee and sugar, shaped into round balls, and garnished with nuts to create a flavorful and indulgent treat. It’s popular during festivals, celebrations, and often served as a delightful dessert.
Here’s a detailed recipe to prepare this delightful treat:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups besan (gram flour)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
- Raisins (optional)
Instructions:
- Roast the besan:
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai on low to medium heat. Add besan and dry roast it, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
- Roast the besan until it turns aromatic, changes color slightly, and you get a nutty fragrance. This might take around 10-12 minutes. Ensure it doesn’t get too dark.
- Once roasted, turn off the heat and transfer the roasted besan to a separate bowl. Let it cool down.
- Prepare the nuts:
- In the same pan, add a teaspoon of ghee and roast the chopped nuts until they turn slightly golden. Keep them aside.
- Make the laddu mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted besan, powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and the roasted nuts. Mix everything well.
- Add ghee:
- Heat the remaining ghee in the same pan until it’s warm but not boiling hot.
- Gradually add this warm ghee to the besan-sugar mixture, little by little, while mixing continuously with a spoon or using your hands.
- Ensure the ghee coats the besan mixture uniformly. Add ghee until the mixture holds shape when pressed together.
- Shape the laddus:
- Take a small portion of the mixture in your palm and shape it into round balls by pressing and rolling gently between your palms. If the mixture is too dry to hold shape, add a little more warm ghee and mix again.
- Garnish the laddus with a few more chopped nuts or press a raisin into the center if desired.
- Set and store:
- Allow the laddus to cool down and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Once they’ve set, store them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for about a week or refrigerated for a longer shelf life.
These Besan Laddus are a delightful treat and are often made during festivals, celebrations, or as a sweet indulgence for special occasions. Enjoy these nutty, sweet, and aromatic laddus with your loved ones!
