5 Easy Besan Laddu Recipes for Your Sweet Cravings

In the diverse culinary landscape of India, besan laddu stands out as a delightful traditional sweet, made from gram flour, also known as chickpea flour or besan. These round confections are not only a treat for the taste buds but also come with a bit of nutritional value. Here, we'll dive into five easy recipes that you can whip up for your sweet cravings, ensuring you can enjoy these laddus anytime you want.

Recipe 1: Classic Besan Laddu

Let’s start with the traditional recipe that forms the foundation of all besan laddus.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups besan (gram flour)
• 1 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 cup sugar (powdered or caster)
• ¹⁄₄ tsp cardamom powder
• A few almonds and cashews for garnish

Steps:

1. In a non-stick pan, heat the ghee on low flame. Once it’s warm, add besan and stir continuously to avoid lumps. This step is crucial for an even roast which gives laddus their characteristic flavor.
2. Roast the besan until it turns a deep golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. This might take around 20-25 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Then mix in sugar and cardamom powder, ensuring everything is well combined.
4. Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, take small portions and shape them into balls. Garnish with a piece of almond or cashew on top.

🧐 Note: The key to perfect laddus is roasting the besan thoroughly to avoid any raw taste.

Recipe 2: Besan Peanut Laddu

If you love the crunch of peanuts, this variation will be your favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups besan
• 1 cup ghee
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup roasted and coarsely ground peanuts
• A pinch of nutmeg powder

Steps:

1. Follow the roasting process of besan as described in the classic recipe.
2. Add the ground peanuts to the roasted besan, and then incorporate the sugar and nutmeg powder.
3. After mixing, allow the mixture to cool slightly and shape into laddus.

📌 Note: Peanuts add a delightful crunch and can also improve the nutritional profile of your laddus.

Recipe 3: Besan Coconut Laddu

For those who enjoy the subtle flavor of coconut, this recipe is perfect.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups besan
• 1 cup ghee
• 1 cup sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup desiccated coconut
• 1 tsp cardamom powder

Steps:

1. Start by roasting the besan in ghee, similar to the previous recipes.
2. Once roasted, mix in the sugar, coconut, and cardamom powder.
3. Let it cool down a bit, then form into laddus. You can roll these in additional coconut for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Recipe 4: Chocolate Besan Laddu

A modern twist to the traditional recipe, these laddus are a treat for chocolate lovers.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups besan
• 1 cup ghee
• 1 cup icing sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup cocoa powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp vanilla essence
• Optional: chocolate chips or grated chocolate for decoration

Steps:

1. Roast besan as per previous instructions until it’s a deep brown.
2. Stir in cocoa powder, vanilla essence, and sugar while the besan is still warm.
3. Cool slightly, form laddus, and garnish with chocolate if desired.

🍫 Note: Cocoa powder can be quite strong; adjust according to your taste preference.

Recipe 5: Jaggery Besan Laddu

For a healthier option with the sweetness of jaggery, try this recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups besan
• 1 cup ghee
• 1 cup jaggery (grated or powdered)
• ¹⁄₄ tsp cardamom powder
• A handful of chopped nuts for texture

Steps:

1. Roast besan until it’s well-cooked.
2. While still warm, mix in the jaggery, ensuring it melts uniformly.
3. Add cardamom powder and nuts, then shape into laddus.

🍯 Note: Jaggery can be grainy; ensure it's well combined with the besan for a smooth texture.

As we wrap up, it's clear that besan laddus can be adapted to suit different tastes and nutritional needs. Whether you're indulging in the traditional form or adding innovative twists like chocolate or jaggery, these sweet balls are sure to satiate any sweet craving. The beauty of besan laddus lies in their versatility; they can be simple or elaborate, traditional or modern, yet always delicious.