Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Besan ke laddoo, also known as gram flour laddus, is a beloved Indian sweet treat. Made from roasted gram flour, ghee (clarified butter), sugar, and flavored with cardamom, these round, golden-brown delights offer a rich, nutty flavour and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Often garnished with chopped nuts, these laddoos are a staple during festivals and celebrations. Their aromatic fragrance and sweet taste make them a favourite among both young and old. Whether you’re relishing them during Diwali, Navratri, or simply as an indulgent dessert, besan ke ladoo is a delightful and quintessential part of Indian cuisine.

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups of besan (gram flour)
2. 1 cup of powdered sugar
3. 1/2 cup of ghee (clarified butter)
4. 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder
5. 1 tablespoon of chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
6. A pinch of saffron strands (optional)

Instructions:

Roasting the Besan:

1. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai on low flame and add ghee to it.
2. Once the ghee melts, add besan and start roasting it on low heat.
3. Keep stirring continuously to avoid lumps and ensure even roasting.
4. Roast for about 15-20 minutes until the besan turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.
5. Be patient; slow roasting is the key to getting the right texture and flavor.

Adding Cardamom and Nuts:

1. Once the besan is roasted to perfection, turn off the heat.
2. Add cardamom powder and mix it well into the roasted besan.
3. Then, add the chopped nuts and mix again. The heat from the besan will slightly roast the nuts, enhancing their flavour.

Cooling the Mixture:

Allow the besan mixture to cool down to room temperature. This step is crucial as it prevents the sugar from melting when added.

Adding Powdered Sugar:

1. Once the mixture has cooled, add powdered sugar to it.
2. Mix thoroughly, ensuring that the sugar is evenly distributed.

Shaping the Laddus:

1. Take a small portion of the mixture in your hands and shape it into round laddoos.
2. You can make the laddus as big or small as you prefer.

Decorating (Optional):

If you like, you can garnish the laddus with a saffron strand on top of each one. This step is optional but adds a touch of elegance to your laddus.

Set and Serve:

1. Let the besan ke laddu cool and set for a few hours. They will firm up as they cool down.
2. Once they have set, store them in an airtight container.

Enjoy the delightful taste of homemade besan ke laddoo! These sweet treats are perfect for festivals, celebrations, or as a delightful dessert for your family and friends. Check more recipes.