Authentic Besan Ladoo Recipe – Easy Indian Chickpea Flour Ladoo

Besan Ladoo Recipe (Indian Chickpea Flour Ladoo)

Recipe Overview:
Besan Ladoo is a popular North Indian dessert made from chickpea flour (besan), sugar, and ghee, often served during festivals or special occasions. With its rich, melt-in-the-mouth texture and sweet aroma of cardamom and ghee, it’s a treat for the senses. This recipe is simple and can be made at home with just a few ingredients, making it perfect for celebrations like Diwali, Holi, or any time you’re craving a sweet indulgence.

Ingredients:

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 15 ladoos
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions:

1. Roasting the Chickpea Flour (Besan):
   Start by placing a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai on medium heat. Add the chickpea flour (besan) and dry roast it while stirring continuously. Roast it until the flour turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Keep the heat medium to avoid burning the flour. Once roasted, remove the flour from the pan and allow it to cool for a few minutes.

2. Blending the Ingredients:
   Once the roasted besan has cooled slightly, transfer it to a food processor. Add the powdered sugar and cardamom powder. Blend the mixture until everything is well combined into a smooth, powdery texture.

3. Adding Ghee:
   Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Melt the ghee in the same pan you used to roast the flour (or microwave it). Once melted, add the warm ghee to the flour mixture and use your hands to mix it thoroughly. The ghee will help bind the mixture and make it soft. Keep mixing until the dough reaches a smooth, crumbly consistency.

4. Shaping the Ladoos:
   Once the mixture is smooth and slightly cool to the touch, begin shaping it into small balls or ladoos. Grease your hands with a little ghee or water to prevent the mixture from sticking. The ladoos should be smooth, and they will firm up as they cool.

5. Garnishing:
   After shaping the ladoos, press a small piece of chopped pistachio on top of each ladoo for a decorative touch and added flavor.

6. Storage:
   Allow the ladoos to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to a week. Besan ladoos can also be refrigerated for longer shelf life.

Tips:

• Roasting the besan properly: The key to making perfect besan ladoos lies in roasting the chickpea flour until it is evenly golden brown. This gives the ladoos their distinct flavor and prevents any raw taste.
• Adjust sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your preference. Some like their ladoos sweeter, while others prefer a more subtle sweetness.
• Alternative garnish: While pistachios are commonly used, you can also garnish with almonds, cashews, or any nuts of your choice for a richer taste.
• Serving suggestion: Serve besan ladoos with a cup of chai or coffee, or enjoy them on their own as a sweet treat during festive occasions.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Conclusion:
Besan Ladoo is a classic, comforting dessert that combines the earthy flavor of chickpea flour with the richness of ghee and the sweetness of sugar. Whether it’s a festive occasion or just a treat for yourself, these ladoos will bring a smile to anyone who tastes them. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Enjoy these golden, melt-in-your-mouth ladoos with family and friends, and celebrate the sweetness of life with this timeless Indian treat!