Ingredients:

For the Boondi (Tiny Pearls):

• 1 cup besan (gram flour)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for crispiness)
• A pinch of yellow food color (optional)
• Water (to make the batter)
• Ghee or oil (for frying)

For the Sugar Syrup:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A few strands of saffron (optional)
• 1 tablespoon rose water (optional)

For the Ladoo Binding:

• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 2 tablespoons chopped cashews and pistachios (optional)
• A few raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Boondi:

• Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine besan (gram flour), baking soda (if using), and water to make a smooth batter. The batter should be of a medium consistency, not too thick or thin. Add yellow food color if desired.
• Heat the oil or ghee: Heat enough oil or ghee in a pan to deep-fry the boondi.
• Fry the boondi: Hold a boondi maker (a perforated flat spoon) over the hot oil. Pour the batter onto it and let it fall through the holes to form small, round droplets. Fry until they turn light golden, then remove them and drain excess oil. Repeat until all batter is fried.

2. Prepare the Sugar Syrup:

• In a separate pan, add sugar and water and bring to a boil.
• Once the sugar dissolves, let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until it reaches a single thread consistency (you can check this by taking a small amount between your fingers; it should form a single thread).
• Add cardamom powder, saffron, and rose water, if using. Stir and remove from heat.

3. Combine Boondi with Syrup:

• While the boondi is still warm, immediately pour the hot sugar syrup over it. Mix gently to coat the boondi in syrup, and let it soak for about 15-20 minutes.
• Once the boondi has absorbed the syrup, add ghee, and mix it in. You can also add chopped cashews, pistachios, and raisins at this point for added flavor and texture.

4. Shape into Ladoos:

• Grease your palms with ghee and shape the soaked boondi into small round balls (ladoos) while they are still warm.
• Allow them to cool and set.

Your Motichoor Ladoo is ready to serve! Enjoy the soft, syrupy, and flavorful ladoos with your family and friends.

Motichoor Ladoo

Rating: 4/5

Preparation Time: 15 m
Cooking Time: 20 m
Total Time: 35 m