Holi Special- Besan Laddoo!!

“Out of the numerous options for delicacies, my husband voted for Besan Laddoos for this year’s holi. Hence, the holi challenge for me :)  After taking the expert tips from my mom and aunt, I started with the challenge at 4 in the evening and completed it successfully after continuous efforts of two hours in kitchen. But at the end of the afternoon, I must say it was worth the efforts with loads of appreciations showering and a sweet tooth quench!

One of simplest in ingredients yet tiring recipe for Besan Laddoos require-

Ghee-Sugar-Besan in the ratio of 1:2:4 as in:

1 cup melted Ghee

 2 Cups powdered Sugar

 4 Cups of Besan (chickpea flour)

 4 tbsp suji (Semolina)

20-25 roughly grated almonds

 ½ tsp cardamom powder

6-8 roughly grounded pistachios

Steps-

-      Mix Besan, suji and ghee in a kadai or wok and then roast the mixture on low medium. Keep stirring the mixture continuously to prevent burning of Besan and it has to be done on low-medium to ensure proper roasting of Besan. 

-      When the color changes to light brown and sweet smell of Besan starts coming turn off the stove and keep the mixture for cooling.The oil would start to separate from the besan after roasting.

-      Meanwhile roast the grated almonds and keep aside. Roasted almonds adds crunch to the Laddoos.

-      When the mixture becomes bearably warm, pour the contents in a different bowl and mix in powdered sugar, almonds and cardamom powder preferably by hands. The mixture would become slightly dry yet binding after mixing in powdered sugar and almonds.

-      Now, make small balls of the mixture using fist and keep it in a plate.

-      When the mixture is used, touch the tip of each ball with minimal ghee and then pistachios to garnish.

-      After the Laddoos are cooled down, store it in an air tight container. The ingredients would be sufficient for 20-25 Laddoos depending on the size.

I loved the Laddoos for the presentation as well the taste and also the aroma of the Besan which lingers around the house and the hands which binds it :)