Besan Ladoo is a delicious and traditional Indian sweet. It is made using besan (gram flour), wheat flour, powdered sugar (boora), ghee (clarified butter), and dry fruits. The besan is roasted on low heat, then ghee and cardamom are added. After it cools, powdered sugar is mixed in and ladoos are shaped. They are garnished with pistachios and served. These are nutritious and delicious.
Sweet Recipe: Among Indian sweets, if there is one that is most loved, it is Besan Ladoo. This sweet holds an important place in every special occasion, festival, or religious ceremony. Made with desi ghee, this ladoo is not only flavorful but also packed with health benefits. Today, we will share a special and traditional Besan Ladoo recipe that offers a wonderful blend of taste, aroma, and nutrition.
Ingredients (for approximately 32 medium ladoos)
- Besan (Gram Flour) – 500 grams
- Wheat Flour – 100 grams
- Boora (Powdered Sugar) – 600 grams
- Desi Ghee (Clarified Butter) – 350 grams
- Cardamom Powder – 2 tablespoons (or to taste)
- Cashews, Almonds – Finely chopped (to taste)
- Pistachios – For garnishing (slivered)
Traditional Method of Making Besan Ladoo
1. Preparing the Ingredients
First, gather all the ingredients. Finely chop the cashews and almonds, and keep the pistachios aside for garnishing. This will make the process easier and save time later.
2. Roasting the Flour and Besan – The Secret to Authentic Flavor
The authentic taste and aroma of Besan Ladoo depend on how carefully and at what temperature you roast the besan and flour. This step requires a little time and attention, but it is this step that determines the quality of the ladoo.
- First, take a thick-bottomed pan and add the wheat flour (100 grams). Roast it on low to medium heat, stirring constantly, without adding any ghee. In a short while, the flour will change color to a light golden brown, and a slightly sweet aroma will start to emanate from it. Now, remove it to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pan, add 500 grams of besan and start roasting it on low heat as well, without any ghee. Make sure the besan does not burn, so keep stirring it continuously. When the besan starts to change color slightly and a nutty aroma begins to emerge, add approximately 250 grams of ghee.
- After adding the ghee, the besan will become soft and smooth in a short while. Now, continue to roast this mixture on low heat until it turns golden brown and starts to leave the sides of the pan. At this time, a pleasant and rich aroma will fill the kitchen, indicating that the besan is completely ready.
3. Incorporating Nuts and Cardamom
Once the besan is well roasted, add the chopped cashews and almonds. Also, add cardamom powder so that the ladoos are full of fragrance and flavor. Now add the remaining ghee to the mixture and roast for a few more minutes so that the nuts are also lightly roasted.
4. Cooling and Adding Powdered Sugar
Now, turn off the heat and let the besan mixture cool down. Make sure the mixture is completely cool before proceeding to the next step. When the mixture has cooled, add the sifted powdered sugar and mix well. At this time, you can taste a small ball of the mixture to adjust the sweetness.
5. Shaping and Garnishing the Ladoos
Now, lightly grease your hands with ghee and start shaping small or medium-sized ladoos from the mixture. This mixture is enough to make approximately 32 medium-sized ladoos. Garnish each ladoo with slivered pistachios on top. You can also use silver leaf if you like, but pistachios are considered more appropriate for the traditional taste.
Besan Ladoo: Both Taste and Health
Besan Ladoos are not only excellent in taste but also beneficial for health. Besan is a good source of protein, while desi ghee increases the body's strength. In winter, this sweet helps to keep the body warm and boost immunity. From children to the elderly, this sweet is suitable for people of all ages.
Tips and Suggestions
- If you want to store the ladoos for a long time, store them in an airtight container and keep them in a cool place.
- Instead of cardamom, you can also add nutmeg powder or cinnamon to taste.
- For a sugar-free option, use coconut sugar or date powder instead of boora.
Making Besan Ladoo is an art that anyone can learn with a little practice and the right method. When you make them at home, you will get more taste, quality, and love compared to store-bought ladoos. So, win everyone's heart with this homemade traditional sweet on this festival or special occasion.
