Besan Laddu Recipe
Description
Besan Laddu is a traditional North Indian sweet, renowned for its rich and nutty flavor. These delightful golden-brown balls are made with gram flour (besan), sugar, ghee, and an assortment of crunchy nuts and seeds, making them the perfect treat for special occasions and festivals. Soft, aromatic, and wonderfully indulgent, Besan Laddu is a must-try dessert for those who appreciate the taste of traditional Indian sweets. With its easy-to-follow recipe, anyone can whip up a batch of these heavenly laddus, whether for a family gathering, a festive celebration, or a personal indulgence.
Cuisine
North Indian Recipes
Course
Dessert
Diet
Vegetarian
Ingredients Table
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour (besan) | 1-1/2 cups |
| Sugar (grinded) | As required |
| Whole Almonds (Badam) | 2 tablespoons |
| Pistachios | 2 tablespoons |
| Chironji | 1 tablespoon |
| Melon seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Fox nuts | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Ghee (clarified butter) | 1-1/2 cups |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 6 pods/seeds |
| Cashew nuts | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
40 minutes
Instructions
-
Roasting the Nuts and Seeds
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter) in a thick-bottomed pan. Once the ghee is melted, add the cashew nuts and whole almonds. Roast them until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.In the same pan, heat another tablespoon of ghee and add the fox nuts. Roast them until they become crunchy and crispy. Once done, set them aside to cool.
Next, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee again and roast the pistachios, melon seeds, chironji, and grated coconut. Once roasted, remove them from the heat and let them cool completely.
-
Grinding the Mixture
After the roasted nuts and seeds have cooled down, coarsely grind all the roasted ingredients (except for the chironji and melon seeds) in a grinder. Set them aside. -
Roasting the Gram Flour (Besan)
Now, heat the remaining ghee (1-1/2 cups) in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai. Add the gram flour (besan) and roast it on medium heat. Stir continuously to ensure even roasting. The besan should be roasted until it releases a pleasant, nutty aroma, which usually takes about 20 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool for 5-8 minutes. -
Combining the Ingredients
Once the roasted besan has cooled slightly, add the sugar, the coarsely ground nuts and seeds, and the crushed cardamom. Include the chironji and melon seeds as well. Mix everything thoroughly with a spoon until well combined. -
Forming the Laddu
When the mixture is cool enough to handle, take a small portion of it and roll it between your palms to form medium-sized laddus (balls). Repeat until all the mixture is shaped into laddus. -
Garnishing and Serving
Garnish the laddus with melon seeds or any nuts of your choice for added texture and flavor. Serve the Besan Laddu immediately, or store them in an airtight container for later use. These laddus are perfect as a sweet treat after a delicious meal or as an offering during special occasions and festivals.
Allergen Information
- Contains nuts: almonds, cashew nuts, pistachios
- Dairy: Contains ghee (clarified butter)
- Gluten-free (as it uses gram flour instead of wheat flour)
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian
- Can be made dairy-free by substituting ghee with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil, although the flavor will differ.
Tips for Perfect Besan Laddu
- Roasting the besan properly: Make sure to roast the gram flour on low to medium heat to avoid burning. The right roasting technique enhances the flavor and aroma of the laddus.
- Adjusting sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
- Texture of the laddu: If the laddu mixture is too soft to form balls, let it cool further. If it’s too hard, add a little more warm ghee to adjust the consistency.
- Storage: Besan Laddu can stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate them.
Conclusion
Besan Laddu is more than just a dessert; it is a part of Indian culture and tradition. Its simple yet rich flavor makes it a beloved treat across many households. Whether youβre celebrating a festival, hosting a family gathering, or simply craving something sweet, these laddus will satisfy your taste buds and bring warmth to your heart. With minimal ingredients and effort, Besan Laddu makes for a delightful and fulfilling sweet that everyone can enjoy!
