Besan Ladoo Recipe: How to Make at Home

– Besan Ladoo Recipe –

🕔 6 to 8 minutes  #1568 Words

Besan Ladoo: known for its rich, nutty flavour. Quick to make in 65 minutes! This delicious sweet can be easily prepared at home with simple steps.

Besan ladoo, a beloved Indian sweet, is a melt-in-your-mouth delight made with just a few ingredients. Gram flour, known as besan in Hindi, is roasted in ghee (clarified butter) until fragrant and golden. This forms the base, which is then mixed with powdered sugar and cardamom for a touch of warmth. The mixture is shaped into small balls, making tasty bites that are sweet and nutty. Often enjoyed during festivals like Diwali, Besan Ladoo is a classic Indian dessert that's easy to make and endlessly satisfying.

Table of Content

1. Historical and Cultural Significance.
2. Pro Tips.
3. Choosing Ingredients.
4. Recipe Card.
5. Step by Step - How to Make Besan Ladoo
6. Variations of Besan Ladoo
7. Nutritional Facts.
8. FAQ’s

1. Historical and Cultural Significance:

Besan ladoo has a long history and is important in Indian culture. Here’s a look at its past and present:

Ancient Origins: 

The concept of ladoo itself dates back centuries, with some theories suggesting its use as an Ayurvedic medicine in the 4th century BC. Early ladoos might have been made with ingredients like Sesame Seeds, Jaggery, and Nuts, chosen for their nutritional and potentially healing properties.

From Energy Source to Celebration: 

Soldiers in empires like the Cholas are said to have carried ladoos for their long journeys due to their compact size, high calorie content, and long shelf life. Over time, with the introduction of sugar by the British, ladoos evolved from a source of nutrition to a celebratory sweet.

Symbol of Festivities: 

Today, besan ladoo remains a staple in Indian celebrations. It's a delightful offering (Prasadam) in temples, a sweet treat shared during festivals like Diwali and Holi, and a symbol of good luck and prosperity. The round shape itself is said to represent wholeness and completeness.

Regional Variations: 

While the core recipe of besan ladoo is simple, regional variations abound. Some areas add coconut or cardamom for a distinct flavour, while others incorporate nuts or seeds for extra texture.This reflects the rich diversity of Indian cuisine.

Besan ladoo transcends its deliciousness. It's a sweet bite of history, tradition, and celebration, cherished across generations in India.

2. Choosing Ingredients

Here are some key points to choosing ingredients for the perfect besan ladoo:

Gram Flour (Besan): 

• Choose recently packaged and fresh coarse Besan and sniff for a nutty aroma. Avoid pre-ground flour, as it loses its flavour and aroma quickly.

Ghee (Clarified Butter): 

• Use good quality desi ghee for the best flavour with a high smoke point, which is important for roasting the besan without burning.

High Quality sugar: 

• Powdered sugar blends most smoothly with the roasted Besan. You can grind granulated Sugar in a food processor for a finer texture.

Cardamom: 

• Freshly ground green cardamom pods offer the most intense aroma.

Optional Add-Ins: 

• Here's where you can get creative! Chopped nuts like cashews, muskmelon seeds, and Gum Acacia or pistachios add a delightful crunch. For a healthier twist, consider seeds like sesame or flax. Experiment with dried fruits like raisins or chopped dates for a different texture and sweetness.

3. Pro Tips

Here are some tips to make perfect Besan Ladoo:

High Quality Gram Flour (Besan): 

• Using high-quality ingredients will significantly impact the final flavour of your besan ladoo.
• Choose fresh besan for the best aroma and taste.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with the amount of sugar or cardamom to suit your preference.

Roasting is Crucial:

• Patience is key: Resist the urge to rush the roasting process. Low and slow is the way to go for a deep golden-brown colour, nutty aroma, and rich flavour in your besan.
• Don't burn it: Keep stirring constantly to prevent burning. If the mixture looks dry, add a little more ghee in batches.

Texture and Binding:

• Cool it down: The besan needs to be warm, not hot, when you add the powdered sugar. Hot besan will melt the sugar and make it difficult to form ladoos.
• The right amount of desi ghee: Too little ghee will make the ladoos dry and crumbly, while too much will make them greasy. Add the ghee gradually and observe the consistency.

Shaping and Storage:

• Slightly firm consistency: The mixture should be slightly firm and hold its shape when rolled into balls. If it's too dry, add a touch of warm ghee.
• Airtight container is key: Store your besan ladoo in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, but the fresher they are, the better they taste.

4. Recipe Card

Time Required:

• Preparation Time: 30 min.
• Cook Time: 35 min.
• Total Time: 65 min.
• Serving Time: 10 min.

5. Step by Step - How to Make Besan Ladoo

1. Roast the Besan:

• Heat ghee in a pan over low heat. Add the besan and whisk constantly to prevent burning. Roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the besan turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.

2. Cool the Besan:

• Transfer the roasted besan to a plate or tray and spread it out to cool down slightly. You want it to be warm, not hot, to the touch.

3. Prepare the Sugar and Cardamom:

• While the besan cools, grind cardamom pods in a mortar and pestle or use pre-ground cardamom. Sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps.

4. Combine Ingredients:

• Once the besan is warm, add it to a mixing bowl. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cardamom, mixing well after each addition.

5. Adjust Consistency:

• If the mixture feels dry and crumbly, add a little warm ghee, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes slightly firm and holds its shape when pressed between your fingers.

6. Optional Add-Ins:

• If using chopped nuts or other add-ins, fold them gently into the mixture at this stage.

7. Shape the Ladoo:

• Lightly grease your palms with ghee or oil. Take a small portion of the mixture and roll it into a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

8. Storage:

• Store your besan ladoo in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, but enjoy them fresh for the best flavour!

Best Besan Ladoo Recipe

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5 from 15 reviews

⏱️ Total Time : 65 Minutes

Besan Ladoo: Made with Roasted Gram Flour, Ghee and Sugar. With this detailed recipe, you can make this sweet at home.

Ingredients:

• Gram flour (Besan)
• Ghee (Clarified Butter)
• High Quality Sugar
• Cardamom & Gum Acacia (Ground)
• Chopped nuts (Cashews and Muskmelon Seeds)

Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in the pan over low heat. Add the besan and whisk constantly to prevent burning. Roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the besan turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.
2. Once the besan is warm, add it to a mixing bowl. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cardamom, mixing well after each addition.
3. If the mixture feels dry and crumbly, add a little warm ghee, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes slightly firm and holds its shape when pressed between your fingers.
4. Lightly grease your palms with desi ghee. Take a small portion of the mixture and roll it into a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
5. Using chopped nuts like muskmelon seeds and cashews, fold them gently into the mixture at this stage.
6. Store your besan ladoo in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, but enjoy them fresh for the best flavour!

⏱️ Preparation : 30 minutes ⏱️ Cook: 35 minutes  ⏱️Serving: 10 minutes

6. Variations of Besan Ladoo

Besan Ladoo is a versatile sweet, and over time, different variations have emerged:

1. Plain Besan Ladoo: This classic version uses roasted besan, ghee, and sugar, delivering a nutty, rich flavour.
2. Besan Dry Fruit Ladoo: A popular twist, these ladoos have finely chopped almonds mixed into the dough, adding a crunch with each bite.
3. Sugar-Free Besan Ladoo: Made using natural sweeteners like jaggery or stevia, this is a healthier choice for those watching their sugar intake.

7. Nutritional Facts:

Calories per 100 gms : Approx  436.0 kcal

8. FAQ’s:

1. Can I make Besan Ladoo without ghee?
   You can substitute with butter or oil, but the taste won't be quite the same.
   
   
2. How long does Besan Ladoo last?
   Place in an airtight container; besan ladoo will last for up to a week at room temperature.
   
   
3. Are Besan Ladoo gluten-free?
   Yes, besan is naturally gluten-free.
   
   
4. Are besan ladoo easy to digest?
   In moderation, yes. The gram flour and ghee offer protein and healthy fats, but the sugar content should be considered.
   
   
5. How many calories are in a besan ladoo?
   Besan Ladoo (100 grams) contains around 436 kcal or calories.
   
   
6. How many besan ladoos in 1 kg?
   In 1 kg, you can get about 30-40 besan ladoos, depending on their size.
   
   
7. How much sugar is in a besan ladoo?
   The amount of sugar in a besan ladoo varies by recipe, but typically, one ladoo contains around 10-15 grams of sugar.