Besan Ladoo (or Besan ke Laddu) is a classic Indian sweet made from roasted gram flour (besan), ghee, and sugar, flavored with cardamom and often garnished with nuts. It’s a must-have during Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, or just as a comforting homemade treat.
🧾 Ingredients
- 2 cups besan (gram flour)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder (elaichi)
- 2 tbsp chopped almonds or pistachios (optional)
- A few strands of saffron (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Roast the Besan
- Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai.
- Add besan and roast on low flame, stirring continuously.
- Keep roasting until it turns golden and releases a nutty aroma (takes about 20–25 minutes).
- The mixture will become smooth and glossy. Don’t rush this step — it’s key for flavor.
🔹 Step 2: Cool Slightly
- Remove the roasted besan from heat.
- Let it cool down until warm (not hot), about 8–10 minutes.
🔹 Step 3: Add Sugar & Flavor
- Mix in powdered sugar and cardamom powder.
- Add saffron strands (optional) and mix well until smooth.
🔹 Step 4: Shape into Ladoos
- Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into round ladoos.
- Garnish with chopped nuts on top if desired.
- Let them set and cool completely.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with tea, as a festive offering, or store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Roast besan patiently on low heat to avoid raw taste.
- If mixture feels too dry to bind, add 1–2 tsp warm ghee.
- You can also add a few spoons of boora sugar instead of powdered sugar for a traditional touch.