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Besan ke laddoo

AI-drafted · awaiting admin review

Round sweets of gram flour slow-roasted in ghee with sugar and cardamom, made for Diwali and other festivals across India.

Region: All of IndiaOccasion: Diwali, Raksha Bandhan and other festivalsTime: 45 minServes: About 14 laddoosVegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 cups gram flour (besan), preferably coarse
  • ¾ cup ghee
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (bura or icing sugar)
  • ½ tsp cardamom powder
  • 2 tbsp chopped almonds and pistachios

Method

  1. Heat ghee in a heavy pan on low heat. Add the besan.
  2. Roast, stirring all the time, for 20–25 minutes until it turns golden-brown, smells nutty and becomes runny.
  3. Take off the heat, add nuts and cardamom and let it cool until just warm.
  4. Mix in the powdered sugar well.
  5. Take a little mixture at a time and press it firmly into round laddoos. They firm up as they cool.
  6. Store in an airtight box for up to two weeks.

History

Laddoos of many kinds, made from besan, boondi, coconut, sesame or flour, are among the oldest and most widespread Indian sweets.

Significance

Besan laddoos are offered to Ganesha and Hanuman and shared with neighbours and relatives at festivals.