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A traditional Indian sweet made from coarse gram flour (besan) roasted in ghee, sweetened with brown sugar, and flavored with a hint of turmeric and cardamom. The laddoo are soft, aromatic, and perfect for festivals or gifting.
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Everything you need to know about this recipe
Besan Laddoo is a classic Indian sweet traditionally prepared during festivals like Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, and weddings. Made from roasted gram flour and ghee, it symbolizes prosperity and is often offered as a prasad (blessed offering).
In North India, Besan Laddoo is often flavored with cardamom and garnished with pistachios, while in Gujarat a version called 'Sukhadi' adds sesame seeds. Some South Indian recipes use jaggery instead of brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
Besan Laddoo is usually served at room temperature on a decorative plate, sometimes drizzled with a thin layer of melted ghee and topped with chopped nuts. It is presented as part of a sweets platter during celebrations.
Besan Laddoo is especially popular during Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Navratri, and wedding ceremonies, where it is given as a sweet gift to guests and family members.
Authentic Besan Laddoo uses coarse gram flour, pure ghee, and brown sugar or jaggery. Acceptable substitutes include unsalted butter for ghee (though flavor changes) and white sugar instead of brown sugar, but the texture and taste will differ.
Besan Laddoo pairs nicely with savory Indian snacks like samosa or pakora, and it complements a traditional thali that includes dishes such as dal, rice, and papad. It also goes well with a cup of masala chai.
Common mistakes include over‑roasting the besan, which makes the laddoo bitter, and adding sugar while the mixture is too hot, causing it to clump. Also, shaping laddoo when the mixture is cold makes them crack.
Medium heat allows the besan to roast evenly, releasing its nutty aroma without burning. High heat can scorch the flour quickly, resulting in a bitter taste and uneven color.
Yes, you can prepare Besan Laddoo a day ahead. Once cooled, store the laddoo in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay fresh for up to 10 days. Avoid refrigeration as it hardens the ghee.
The YouTube channel Chef Bhupi's Kitchen specializes in authentic Indian home-cooking tutorials, focusing on traditional recipes, festive sweets, and practical cooking tips for everyday cooks.
Chef Bhupi's Kitchen emphasizes step‑by‑step clarity, explains the science behind each technique (like the timing of adding ghee), and often shares regional tricks such as the “air‑bubble” test for perfect roasting, which sets it apart from more generic channels.
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