Besan ke Laddu

 

Besan ke laddus are almost everyone's favorites. These laddus can be stored for months at room temperature and that's why, people used to carry these with them in their long journeys. In olden time, home made food was considered better than fast food or hotel food and ladies of the house lovingly prepared many snacks, sweet and savory for their loved ones!

 

Historically, laddoos were created for their medicinal purposes. Comprised of healthful ingredients such as desi ghee, dates, chickpea flour, nuts and seeds, these sweets were meant to invigorate the weak and nourish individuals. Additionally, they served as a perfect ration for warriors and travelers because of their ease in transportation and long storage life. Then, when the British brought sugar to India, the entire purpose of laddoos dramatically changed. Recipes were re-created with the addition of the addicting sucrose, and laddoos became ubiquitous treats, necessary for every celebratory occasion. Today, laddoos come in all varieties – from traditional besan (chickpea flour) laddoos, to coconut laddoos, date laddoos, and more. Yet their shape remains the same – a small, round ball, in adherence to their namesake.

 

Ingredients:

 

1-Besan or Chickpea flour-2 cups (I took Laddu Besan)

2-Sugar-1 cup

3-Water-1/3 cup

4-Ghee-1 cup

5-Green cardamom powder-1 tsp.

6- Assorted nuts of your choice for garnishing (Optional)

Method:

 

1-In a heavy bottom pan, put sugar and water and make a thick syrup by continously stirring it on high heat. I followed Nisha madhulika's recipe.

2-In a pan or kadai, heat 3/4 portion of ghee and roast besan on slow flame.

3- I added haldi also (!/tsp.) to give it a vibrant yellow color.

4-When a nice aroma starts coming out, stir for a minute and sprinkle 2-3 tsp. water, so if your besan is not laddu besan, even then it will become coarse.

5- turn off the heat but continue stirring , otherwise besan will become burnt.

6- When besan is just a little warm, add bura made from tagar and cardamom powder, mix properly.

7-Make balls of your choice and garnish.