If you're looking to indulge in a sweet treat that's both easy to make and delightfully delicious, besan laddoo might just be the perfect dessert for you. Besan laddoo, made from chickpea flour, is a popular Indian sweet that can be prepared in just a few steps. Here's how you can make these irresistible sweets right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of besan (gram flour/chickpea flour)
- 1 cup of ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 cup of powdered sugar or boora
- 1⁄2 tsp cardamom powder
- A pinch of salt
- Chopped nuts like almonds, cashews, or pistachios for garnish
Step 1: Prepare the Besan
Begin by sifting the besan to remove any lumps. This ensures a smooth texture in your laddoos. After sifting:
- Place a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat.
- Add the ghee to the pan and let it melt.
- Once the ghee is hot, lower the heat to low-medium, and gradually add the besan to the ghee.
- Stir continuously to avoid lumps and to roast the besan evenly.
Roast for about 10-15 minutes until the besan turns golden brown and emits a nutty fragrance.
⚠️ Note: Over-roasting can burn the besan, which will result in a bitter taste. Keep stirring and watch the color.
Step 2: Cooling the Mixture
Once your besan is perfectly roasted, turn off the heat:
- Transfer the mixture to a wide dish or plate to cool down.
- Spread it out to cool quickly, or it can be left to come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.
Remember, the mixture should not be hot when you add the sugar, as sugar can melt.
Step 3: Mixing the Sweetness
After the besan has cooled:
- Add the powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and a pinch of salt to the besan.
- Using clean hands or a large spoon, mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The sugar will blend with the still-warm besan, helping the laddoos to come together.
Step 4: Shaping the Laddoos
When the mixture is still slightly warm but cool enough to handle:
- Take small amounts of the mixture and roll it into balls. The size can be as big or as small as you like.
- Ensure your hands are greased with ghee to prevent the mixture from sticking. You can also sprinkle some nuts in the mixture or on the laddoos for an additional crunch and elegance.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once all the laddoos are shaped:
- If not already added, press a nut or a combination of nuts into the top of each laddoo.
- Let them set at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a firmer texture.
The essence of a perfect besan laddoo lies in its nutty aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here are some final tips to ensure your laddoos are as delightful as those from a traditional Indian sweet shop:
🍪 Note: If the mixture becomes too dry or crumbly to hold shape, add a little melted ghee and mix again.
Whether you're celebrating a festival, serving guests, or just craving something sweet, homemade besan laddoos are a perfect choice. They are straightforward to make, require minimal ingredients, and bring a touch of tradition into your home cooking. Enjoy the process of making these laddoos, and savor every bite!
By following these steps, you've not only created delicious sweets but also embraced a piece of Indian culinary culture. The simplicity of ingredients combined with the flavor they produce makes besan laddoo a timeless dessert. Perfect your technique, experiment with variations, and these laddoos can become a new tradition in your home.
Can I use butter instead of ghee for besan laddoo?
+
You can use butter as a substitute for ghee, but keep in mind that butter has a lower smoke point which might affect the roasting process, and it will impart a slightly different flavor to your laddoos.
How long do besan laddoos last?
+
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, besan laddoos can last for up to a month. If refrigerated, they can be stored for several months.
Can I add other flavors to besan laddoo?
+
Yes! Traditional spices like saffron or modern additions like cocoa powder can be added to the besan mixture for a different taste experience. Experiment with different flavors but be cautious with quantities to maintain balance.
