Ingredients:

• 2 cups besan (gram flour)
• 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 3/4 to 1 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped almonds or pistachios (optional)
• 2 tablespoons raisins (optional)
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)

Instructions:

1. Roast the Besan:

1. Heat ghee: In a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai, heat the ghee over low to medium heat.
2. Add besan: Once the ghee is hot, add the besan. Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Roast the besan: Roast the besan in the ghee on low heat, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. This may take about 15-20 minutes. Be patient, as roasting the besan properly is crucial for the flavor of the laddu.
4. Add saffron: If using, add saffron strands to the mixture towards the end of roasting.

2. Cool the Mixture:

1. Cool down: Once the besan is well roasted, remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. It should be warm but not hot when you add the sugar.

3. Add Sugar and Flavoring:

1. Add powdered sugar: Add the powdered sugar to the warm besan mixture and mix thoroughly until the sugar is evenly distributed.
2. Add cardamom: Add the cardamom powder and mix well.

4. Shape the Laddu:

1. Add nuts and raisins: Stir in the chopped almonds or pistachios and raisins, if using.
2. Form laddus: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms to form round laddus. If the mixture feels too dry and is not holding together, you can add a little more warm ghee.

5. Cool and Store:

1. Cool the laddus: Place the formed laddus on a plate and let them cool completely.
2. Store: Once cooled, store the besan laddus in an airtight container. They will keep well for 2-3 weeks at room temperature.

Tips:

• For richer flavor: You can add a tablespoon of grated coconut to the mixture.
• For variation: Substitute part of the besan with chickpea flour for a slightly different texture and taste.

Enjoy your homemade besan laddus!

Besan laddu

Rating: 4/5

Preparation Time: 20 m
Cooking Time: 20 m
Total Time: 40 m