Besan Ladoo – A Traditional Indian Sweet for Every Occasion
The Chickpea Flour Ladoo ( Besan Ladoo) is the Indian sweet that most immediately evokes the smell of festive kitchens. Melt-in-the-mouth, soft, and abundant in clarified butter and nuts, this old-time treat is more than a dessert, it is a feeling. Indeed, chickpea flour ladoo remains the star of any festival (such as Diwali or Raksha Bandhan) or even a family celebration.
In this blog we are going to provide a step-by-step recipe prepared using clarified butter, chickpea flour, sugar, and cardamom. The best part? It requires a few ingredients and can be cooked slowly in under 30 minutes to that golden nutty goodness..
Table of Contents
Why Besan Ladoo is So Special?
Gram flour Ladoo ( Besan ladoo ) is also popular because of its aromatic flavor, which is made by roasting the flour in clarified butter gradually, filling the kitchen with a nutty sweet scent. It is not only tasty but also good, where the flour gives it protein, good fats through clarified butter and the almonds and cashews make it healthier.
Powdered cardamom gives it a fresh touch, and powdered sugar gives it the ideal sweetness. This Besan ladoo is a festive favourite in any Indian home, which is loved during Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, and any other festivals.
The best thing is that it is easy enough to follow; despite not having ever considered making Indian sweets, this besan ladoo recipe is easy, foolproof, and can be ready within 30 minutes.
The Magic of Besan Ladoo
Gram flour ladoo is something magical: how it melts in your mouth, how well roasted flour in clarified butter smells so good, and how you can hear the almonds and cashews crunching down with every bite. It is also easy to prepare, a few ingredients are used, and the ingredients include flour, clarified butter, powdered sugar, cardamom, and chopped nuts, unlike other desserts. However, its taste remains to be long after it, and it brings with itself the family time coziness, the celebrations and the homemade love.
A Sweet Memory That Stays Forever
As a child, the festive season had the meaning of getting up in the morning and the odor of the roasting gram flour in the kitchen. My grandmother would sit quietly, stirring up the besan in hot ghee in such a manner that it seemed like an eternity, and she hummed old bhajans as the golden mixture changed colour.
As soon as she put cardamom and chopped cashews and almonds, I understood ladoos were coming my way. She used to allow me to roll the first ladoo with my little hands–that they were never round, but she would smile and remark, These are the sweetest ones.
I still feel warm in that memory, and with pieces of besan ladoo, even today, I can think to myself that I am continuing her tradition. Such ladoos are not ordinary sweets but part of the tradition, love, and warmth, packed into tiny golden balls.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Besan Ladoo is a unique recipe in the sense that it is both traditional and easy to make. One can have a sweet, festive, and wholesome snack by slowly roasting gram flour in clarified butter, adding cardamom powder as it gives it a nice fragrance, adding powdered sugar and making it sweet, and adding chopped almonds and cashews as it adds the crunch.
It best suits Diwali, Rakhi, Holi or even as a daily after-meal snack. And the best part? It needs neither a professional cooker: it only needs patience, love and 30 minutes of your life.
Health Benefits of Besan Ladoo
One can easily imagine that Besan ladoos are high-energy desserts, but with the right ingredients, you can make chickpea flour ladoo pretty healthier. Chickpea flour is protein-packed, contains fiber and other nutrients that aid in digestion and also make you feel satisfied without necessarily feeding too much.
Clarified butter is tasty and is healthy in that it contains fats useful in digestion, green energy, and immunity. Cashews and almonds further enrich every ladoo as they are full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which keep the heart healthy and well in general.
Lastly, cardamom is also good in the digestive process besides its nice scent thus chickpea flour ladoo is a sweet that isn’t only good but also very healthy.
Besan Ladoo
Method
- Heat a heavy-bottom pan and add ghee. Once warm, add the gram flour. Roast on low flame for 40 to 50 minutes, stirring continuously. Slowly, the flour will turn brownish-golden and release a nutty aroma—this is the soul of perfect ladoos.
- Once roasted, add cardamom powder and mix well. This gives the ladoos their signature fragrance.
- Turn off the flame and let the mixture cool slightly (it should be warm, not hot). Add powdered sugar and mix until fully combined.
- Mix in chopped almonds and cashews for that delightful bite in every ladoo.
- While the mixture is still warm, take small portions and roll them between your palms to form round ladoos. Place them on a plate and let them set.
- Low flame roasting is key – If you rush this step, the besan will taste raw.
- Don’t add sugar to hot besan – Wait until it cools slightly; otherwise, sugar will melt and make the mixture sticky.
- Use fresh ghee – Pure clarified butter enhances flavor and gives ladoos a rich texture.
- Customize with nuts – You can add pistachios or raisins along with almonds and cashews.
- Store besan ladoos in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. If you live in a hot climate, refrigerate them and bring to room temperature before serving.
- Chocolate Besan Ladoo – Add 1–2 tbsp cocoa powder while mixing sugar for a chocolate twist.
- Coconut Besan Ladoo – Mix desiccated coconut with roasted flour for a tropical flavor.
- Jaggery Besan Ladoo – Replace powdered sugar with jaggery powder for a healthier, earthy sweetness.
- Dry Fruit Besan Ladoo – Add finely chopped dates, raisins, or figs for extra texture and natural sweetness.
- Spiced Besan Ladoo – Include nutmeg, saffron, or mace powder for festive variations.
Notes
FAQs About Besan Ladoo
1. Can I make besan ladoo without ghee?
Yes! You can use oil or vegan butter, but ghee gives the authentic aroma and richness.2. How long do besan ladoos stay fresh?
They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. In hot climates, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.3. Can I make them sugar-free?
Absolutely! Replace powdered sugar with natural sweeteners like jaggery powder or erythritol for a healthier version.4. Can I use other nuts?
Yes. You can use pistachios, walnuts, or cashews instead of almonds for different flavors and textures.5. Can I prepare them in advance?
Yes, the roasted gram flour mixture can be stored for a few hours. Shape the ladoos just before serving for best texture.6. Is besan ladoo good for kids?
Yes, in moderation. It’s rich in protein and healthy fats, making it a wholesome snack for children.Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1 Ladoo Approx.)
- Calories: 120–130 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Healthy Fats: 7 g
- Iron: 6% DV
- Calcium: 4% DV
