Sweet Pretzels Recipe – Bhonge Ladoo
Cuisine: Maharashtrian | Course: Snack | Diet: Vegetarian
Total Time: 70 minutes | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 5
Bhonge Ladoo, or Sweet Pretzels, is a popular Maharashtrian delicacy that blends the wholesome goodness of wheat bran with the rich sweetness of jaggery. This recipe offers a unique twist on traditional pretzels, infused with flavors that make for a perfect sweet snack or dessert after a hearty meal. The crunchy exterior and the syrupy, tender interior create a wonderful contrast that is sure to leave your taste buds craving more.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Wheat Bran | 1-1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Jaggery | 1 cup |
| Water | 1-1/3 cup (divided) |
| Sesame Seeds (Til seeds) | 2 tablespoons |
| Sunflower Oil | As required for frying |
Instructions:
Preparing the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1-1/4 cups of wheat bran, 4 teaspoons of sunflower oil, and salt to taste. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients and oil evenly.
- Gradually add 1/3 cup of water, little by little, while kneading the dough. Continue adding water until you form a tight, pliable dough. Knead the dough for about 4 to 5 minutes to ensure it is smooth and well-combined.
- Set the dough aside, lightly brushing it with oiled fingers to prevent it from drying out. Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plate and allow it to rest for 30 minutes.
Shaping the Pretzels:
- After the dough has rested, divide it into small portions. Roll each portion into a cylindrical shape about 5 inches long. Shape them into the traditional pretzel form, or you can create any other desired shape.
- Place the shaped dough on a plate and let them rest for approximately 1 hour. If you like, you can place them in the sun for a quicker drying time.
Frying the Pretzels:
- Heat sunflower oil in a kadai or deep frying pan until it is hot enough for frying (you can test the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the surface, it’s ready).
- Carefully add the shaped pretzels to the hot oil, frying them in batches. Fry the pretzels until they are golden brown and crisp on all sides. Remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Preparing the Jaggery Syrup:
- In a pan, lightly toast the extra 2 tablespoons of wheat bran for a few minutes, until it becomes aromatic. Set it aside.
- In the same pan, lightly toast the sesame seeds until they turn golden brown. Remove and set them aside as well.
- To prepare the jaggery syrup, combine 1 cup of jaggery and 1 cup of water in the pan. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Once the syrup has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the toasted wheat bran and sesame seeds. Mix well. The toasted wheat bran will help thicken the syrup and add a lovely texture.
Assembling the Sweet Pretzels:
- Arrange the fried pretzels in a shallow container or tray.
- Pour the warm jaggery syrup over the pretzels, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow the pretzels to soak in the syrup for 2 to 3 hours. This will give them time to absorb the sweetness and become tender.
- For a final touch, garnish the soaked pretzels with extra toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Serving:
- Serve these delectable Sweet Pretzels (Bhonge Ladoo) as a delightful evening snack with a cup of Masala Chai or as a sweet dessert after a meal. The combination of crispy, syrup-soaked pretzels with the rich flavor of jaggery makes it an unforgettable treat.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 50-55 g |
| Protein | 6-7 g |
| Fat | 6-8 g |
| Fiber | 7-8 g |
| Sugars | 30-35 g |
These Sweet Pretzels make for an indulgent yet healthy snack, especially when made with wholesome ingredients like wheat bran and jaggery. Enjoy them fresh or store them for a few days, and they’ll remain just as sweet and satisfying.
