Besan Ladoo is a rich, melt-in-your-mouth indian sweet made from gram flour (besan), ghee, and sugar. It's a popular treat during festivals, weddings, and special occasions like Diwali. With its nutty flavor, melt-in-the-mouth texture, and aroma of ghee and cardamom, Besan ladoo is a favorite for many.

Here’s how you can make Besan Ladoo at home with a step-by-step guide.

Ingredients:

· Gram Flour (Besan) – 1 cup

· Ghee (Clarified Butter) – 1/2 cup

· Sugar – 1/2 cup (adjust to taste)

· Cardamom Powder – 1/2 tsp

· Cashews – 8-10 (chopped)

· Raisins – 8-10 (optional)

· Almonds – 8-10 (chopped, optional)

· Saffron strands – A pinch (optional, for color and aroma)

Instructions:

1. Roast the Besan (Gram Flour):

· Heat a non-stick pan or wok on low to medium heat.

· Add ghee to the pan and allow it to melt.

· Once the ghee is melted, add gram flour (besan) to the pan.

· Begin roasting the besan by stirring it continuously with a spatula to prevent it from burning.

· Roast the besan for about 8-10 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and starts releasing a nutty aroma.

· The ghee will separate from the flour, and the mixture should become smooth and glossy. Be patient during this step, as roasting the besan properly gives the ladoos their rich flavor.

2. Prepare the Nuts and Dry Fruits:

· In a separate small pan, add a tablespoon of ghee and heat it on low.

· Add chopped cashews, almonds, and raisins. Fry them until they turn golden brown, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

· Once they are fried, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

3. Add sugar and Cardamom:

· Once the besan is well-roasted and the ghee has separated, add sugar to the pan with besan.

· Stir until the sugar melts and combines well with the besan mixture. This will take a couple of minutes.

· Add cardamom powder and mix it into the besan and sugar mixture. You can also add a pinch of saffron strands for added aroma and color (optional).

4. Combine the Nuts and Set Aside:

· Once the sugar is fully dissolved and everything is well mixed, add the fried nuts and dry fruits to the mixture.

· Stir to combine everything well and remove the pan from the heat.

· Let the mixture cool slightly, just enough to handle it.

5. Shape the Ladoos:

· Once the mixture is warm but not too hot, grease your hands with a little bit of ghee.

· Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round ladoos.

· press gently to form smooth, round balls.

· Continue forming ladoos until all the mixture is used.

6. Cool and Serve:

· Let the Besan Ladoos cool completely before serving.

· You can store them in an airtight container for about a week.

Tips for Perfect Besan Ladoo:

· Roasting the Besan: This is the most important step. Make sure to roast the besan on low to medium heat to ensure it doesn’t burn. Proper roasting gives the ladoos a beautiful flavor.

· Texture: If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more ghee while roasting the besan. If it’s too sticky, add a little more besan.

· Consistency: The ladoos should be firm and should hold their shape but not be too hard.

· Sugar: Adjust sugar according to your taste preference. You can even use jaggery for a healthier version.

Enjoy!

Besan Ladoo is a simple yet indulgent sweet, full of warmth and flavor. It’s perfect for festivals like Diwali, Holi, or family gatherings. Serve it with a hot cup of chai for the perfect treat!

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.