Besan Ke Laddu Recipe | Traditional Indian Sweet Treat
Besan Ke Laddu (Gram Flour Laddu) is a quintessential North Indian dessert that offers the perfect balance of rich flavors and texture. With its base of roasted gram flour (besan), ghee, and a medley of nuts, these laddus are not only delicious but also packed with energy and nutrients. Popular during festivals and special occasions, Besan Ke Laddu is a favorite in many households, especially during Diwali and other celebrations. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this traditional Indian sweet at home, guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients for Besan Ke Laddu
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Gram Flour (Besan) | 1-1/2 cups |
Sugar (Grinded) | As required |
Badam (Almond) | 2 tablespoons |
Pistachios | 2 tablespoons |
Chironji | 1 tablespoon |
Melon Seeds | 1 tablespoon |
Fox Nuts | 1/2 cup |
Fresh Coconut (Grated) | 1/4 cup |
Ghee | 1-1/2 cups |
Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 6 |
Cashew Nuts | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions for Making Besan Ke Laddu
-
Roasting the Nuts:
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the cashew nuts and almonds, and roast them until they turn golden brown. Set these aside to cool. -
Roasting Fox Nuts:
In the same pan, add 2 more tablespoons of ghee. Toss in the fox nuts and roast them until they become crunchy. Remove from the pan and set them aside as well. -
Roasting Other Ingredients:
Add 1 tablespoon of ghee to the pan and roast the pistachios, melon seeds, chironji, and grated coconut until they become fragrant and slightly crispy. Set them aside to cool. -
Grinding the Nuts:
Once all the roasted ingredients have cooled, grind the cashew nuts, almonds, pistachios, fox nuts, and grated coconut (except the chironji and melon seeds) in a grinder. You can make a coarse mixture, as it adds a nice texture to the laddus. -
Roasting the Gram Flour (Besan):
In the same heavy-bottomed pan or kadai, heat the remaining ghee. Add the gram flour (besan) and roast it on a medium flame, stirring continuously. The roasting process takes around 20 minutes, and you will know it is done when the flour begins to release a pleasant aroma and turns slightly golden in color. -
Cooling the Mixture:
Once the gram flour is roasted, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool for 5-8 minutes. -
Combining Ingredients:
Once the mixture has cooled down enough to handle, add the sugar to the gram flour. Then, add the ground nuts, crushed cardamom pods, chironji, and melon seeds. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly using a spoon until well combined. -
Shaping the Laddus:
When the mixture is warm enough to handle with your hands, take small portions and shape them into medium-sized laddus (round balls). You can grease your hands lightly with ghee to prevent sticking. -
Garnishing and Serving:
Garnish the laddus with additional melon seeds or any other topping of your choice. Let the laddus cool completely before serving. -
Storing:
If you are not serving the Besan Ke Laddu immediately, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Besan Ke Laddu
- Roasting Besan: Roasting the gram flour properly is crucial for the flavor. It should be roasted on a low to medium flame to ensure it does not burn.
- Sugar Quantity: Adjust the amount of sugar according to your sweetness preference.
- Nuts and Seeds: You can vary the nuts and seeds used in the recipe. If you prefer walnuts or cashews over almonds, feel free to substitute them.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Nutrient | Value |
---|---|
Calories | Approx. 360 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Protein | 6g |
Fat | 22g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugar | 25g |
Why You’ll Love This Besan Ke Laddu Recipe
Besan Ke Laddu is a sweet treat that’s not only indulgent but also packed with the goodness of nuts and ghee. The nutty flavor of roasted gram flour, combined with the crunch of pistachios, almonds, and cashews, makes every bite an absolute delight. Whether you’re preparing for a festive occasion or just craving a homemade sweet, this recipe will not disappoint. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires ingredients that are typically found in every Indian kitchen.
Serve these laddus as a part of your dessert menu after a delicious meal, or enjoy them as a snack with a cup of chai. Besan Ke Laddu also makes a perfect gift for family and friends during festivals or as a homemade treat.
Enjoy the sweet and nutty indulgence of Besan Ke Laddu and experience the essence of traditional Indian flavors in every bite!