Besan Ladoo (Balls)


Besan ladoo is a popular Indian sweet treat made from roasted gram flour (besan), ghee (clarified butter), and sugar. It's a delicious and easy-to-make dessert. Here's a traditional recipe for besan ladoo:

Ingredients:

  1. 2 cups besan (gram flour)
  2. 1 cup ghee (clarified butter)
  3. 1 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
  4. 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
  5. A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
  6. Chopped nuts (such as almonds, cashews, or pistachios) for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai on medium-low heat. Add the besan (gram flour) and dry roast it, stirring continuously to avoid burning. Roast the besan for about 12-15 minutes until it turns aromatic and changes color to a light golden brown. The besan will also start to release a nutty fragrance. Ensure you roast it evenly.
  2. Once the besan is roasted, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can turn bitter.
  3. In a separate small pan, warm the ghee over low heat until it melts. If using saffron strands, you can add them to the warm ghee at this stage to infuse flavor and color.
  4. Gradually add the melted ghee to the roasted besan while continuously stirring. Mix well to incorporate the ghee into the besan. The mixture will start to come together, and you'll notice a rich aroma.
  5. Allow the besan-ghee mixture to cool down slightly but not completely. It should be warm to the touch.
  6. Add the powdered sugar and cardamom powder to the warm besan mixture. Mix everything together until well combined. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste.
  7. While the mixture is still warm, shape it into small, round ladoos (balls). Take a small portion of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used up.
  8. If desired, press a chopped nut (almond, cashew, or pistachio) onto the top of each besan ladoo for garnish.
  9. Let the besan ladoos cool completely at room temperature. As they cool, they will firm up.
  10. Once the besan ladoos have completely cooled and set, store them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for a few weeks.
  11. Enjoy these delicious besan ladoos as a sweet treat or offer them during festive occasions and celebrations.

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