Besan Ladoo – Indian Sweet

Step 1: Prepare Raisins

Heat 1-2 teaspoons of ghee in a pan. Once hot, add the raisins and fry them until they puff up slightly. Remove the fried raisins and set them aside.

Step 2: Roast Besan

In the same pan with the remaining ghee, add the 2 cups of besan. Begin frying the besan on low to medium heat. Gradually add the rest of the ghee, little by little, as you continue to fry. Stir continuously until the besan turns light brown and releases a fragrant aroma. This process should take about 10-15 minutes. Turn off the gas.

Step 3: Cool the Mixture

Allow the fried besan mixture to cool down slightly. It should still be warm but not hot to the touch. This helps in mixing the sugar powder effectively.

Step 4: Mix with Sugar Powder

Once the besan mixture is slightly warm, add the 1.5 cups of powdered sugar (which was mixed with cardamom pods) to the pan. Mix thoroughly with a spoon until the sugar is fully incorporated and a dough-like consistency is formed.

Step 5: Form Ladoos

Take small portions of the mixture and gently roll them between your palms to form smooth, round ladoos. You can press a fried raisin into the center or on top of each ladoo for garnish. The ladoos will firm up further as they cool completely.

• Fry the besan on low to medium heat to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

• Add ghee gradually as you fry the besan; the amount may vary slightly depending on the flour's absorption.

• Allow the besan mixture to cool slightly before adding the powdered sugar to prevent the sugar from melting completely and making the ladoos too sticky.

• Adjust the amount of sugar according to your sweetness preference.

• Add chopped cashews or almonds along with raisins for extra crunch.

• Incorporate a pinch of saffron strands soaked in warm milk for added flavor and color.

• Experiment with different flavorings like nutmeg powder or rose water.