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Traditional Besan Laddu (ladoo) recipe
4.5 from 90 votes

Traditional Besan Laddu (ladoo) recipe

Traditional Besan Laddu features slow-roasted gram flour cooked with ghee until fluffy and golden, then mixed with powdered sugar, aromatic spices, and pistachios to form sweet, fragrant round treats. The roasting step develops a nutty aroma and texture essential to this classic Indian dessert.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Cooling Time
15 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: ladoo
Calories: 117 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup gram flour sift before measuring, fine besan
  • ¼ cup ghee
  • ½ cup powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 tablespoon pistachio thinly sliced, optional
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon saffron

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add ghee and besan to a medium sized heavy bottomed pan. Keeping the heat low, slow roast the besan flour, while stirring constantly with a spatula. Continue to stir evenly and break the lumps that will form initially.
  2. After about 10 minutes, the flour will start to loosen up and become light and fluffy. Continue roasting for another 10 to 15 minutes or until the flour turns light golden brown. At this stage the ghee will start to separate, filling the kitchen with a delightful aroma.
  3. Turn the heat off and take out the mixture into a bowl. This will avoid the besan from being overcooked. Allow it to cool for about 15 minutes or until it is luke warm to touch.
  4. Add powdered sugar, cardamom, nutmeg, saffron and pistachios. Massage the mixture with the palm of your hands, and as you do so the ghee starts to release, allowing the mixture to bind together.
  5. Take 2 to 3 tablespoons of mix at a time and start pressing and shaping to form round balls. Repeat with the remaining mix. Makes 8 ladoo.
  6. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place. The laddus will stay good at room temperature for 8 to 10 days. For longer shelf-life keep them in the refrigerator and remember to heat in the microwave for about 10 seconds before enjoying them.

Notes

  • Slow roast the besan over low heat while stirring continuously to reach a light golden and fluffy texture.
  • Roasting times vary with quantity: about 25 minutes for 1 cup, increasing as you use more flour.
  • Sift gram flour and powdered sugar to remove lumps for smooth texture.
  • Use good quality fresh besan and homemade ghee if possible for authentic flavor.
  • Grease palms with ghee before shaping laddus to prevent sticking.
  • If mixture feels too soft, add more roasted besan before shaping.

Nutrition Information

Calories 117kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 21g (7%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 2g (3%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 15mg (1%) Potassium 194mg (4%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 15IU (0%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 21mg (2%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 ladoo

Amount Per Serving

Calories 117

% Daily Value*

Calories 117kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 21g 7%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 15mg 1%
Potassium 194mg 4%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 15IU 0%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 21mg 2%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.