Sweet Pretzels (Bhonge Ladoo) Recipe
Description:
Sweet Pretzels, also known as Bhonge Ladoo, is a unique and traditional sweet from the Buldhana District of Maharashtra. This antique recipe is rarely made today, even in native villages, but it’s a treasure for anyone seeking traditional Maharashtrian treats. These sweet pretzels are fried and then soaked in a jaggery syrup, offering a delightful blend of crunchy and syrupy textures.
Cuisine: Maharashtrian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
- 1-1/4 cup Wheat Bran, plus 2 tablespoons extra for toasting
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup Jaggery
- 1-1/3 cup Water (divided)
- 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds (Til seeds)
- Oil, for frying
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine wheat bran, about 4 teaspoons of cooking oil, and salt.
- Gradually add 1/3 cup water, a little at a time, and knead into a tight, pliable dough. Knead well for about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Cover the dough with a moist cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes. Lightly oil your fingers while covering the dough.
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Shape the Pretzels:
- Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 5-inch long cylindrical shapes. Shape each piece into a pretzel form (or any desired shape).
- Place the shaped pretzels on an open plate and let them rest for about an hour. You can also place them in the sun to speed up the process.
-
Fry the Pretzels:
- Heat enough oil in a kadai (wok). Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pretzels in batches and fry until they turn golden and crisp.
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Prepare the Jaggery Syrup:
- In a pan, lightly toast the extra 2 tablespoons of wheat bran and keep it aside.
- Toast the sesame seeds until slightly browned and set them aside.
- In a separate pan, boil together 1 cup jaggery and 1 cup water for 8-10 minutes to create a syrup.
- Once the syrup is warm, add the toasted wheat bran and sesame seeds to it, mixing well. This will slightly thicken the syrup.
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Assemble the Sweet Pretzels:
- Arrange the fried pretzels in a shallow container.
- Pour the jaggery syrup over the pretzels, ensuring they are well soaked. Let them sit for 2-3 hours to absorb the syrup.
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Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, garnish with additional toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve Sweet Pretzels or Bhonge Ladoo as a delightful evening snack with Masala Chai or as a dessert after your meals.
Enjoy this sweet, crispy, and syrup-soaked treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones!
