Besan Ladoos | Chickpea Flour Sweet Balls

Diwali is here! And most homes must be filled with the smell of ghee, sweets and savouries. Ours isn't much of a traditional family, we haven't any rituals at home, but then... who would say no to a sweet?! :) And what better excuse to cook up a homemade delicacy, than the festive season! :)

Besan ladoos is one of the most simplest of the traditional sweets. There are many methods making rounds, while I chose one which uses just 3 main ingredients - Besan/Chickpea flour, Sugar and Ghee! Apart from these, Cardamom is used as the flavouring agent and nuts (cashew nuts and pistachio) were used for making the ladoos look pretty :)

Had invited parents-in-law for a Diwali lunch and surprised them with these cheerful besan ladoos :) This was my first attempt and I was thrilled to see the family happily munched on these light and tasty ladoos after a simple homemade lunch :)

Happy Diwali to you all! :)

Ingredients  

Besan/Chickpea Flour - 2 cups

Ghee - 3/4 cup

Powdered Sugar - 1-1.5 cups (depending on your sweet tooth)

Cardamom - 4-5 pods, powdered

Nuts - to decorate

Cashew nuts/Raisins - a few, roasted in ghee

Method

• Roast Besan in a pan and after about 2 minutes, add in the ghee.
• Keep the flame on medium and mix together, until the flour and ghee combines well. Stir continuously for about 5-10 minutes.
• At the end of 10 minutes, the aroma of besan is emitted and the mixture turns brownish. 
• Switch off the flame and remove the mixture from the stove.
• Allow it to cool just a little bit and then add in the powdered sugar and cardamon powder. Mix well. 
• You can add in the roasted raisins and cashew nuts into the mixture, if you like. Or if you like your besan ladoos plain, skip this.
• Make small lemon sized balls out of the dough and keep aside on a plate.

Note: 

• If you are finding it hard to make balls at this stage because: 
• The dough is a bit high on ghee - add in a teensy bit of dough and sugar and knead into the prepared dough. Leave the dough for about 5-10 minutes and then try making the dough balls.
• The dough is a bit too dry - add in a little more ghee or a tea spoon or two of milk into the prepared dough. Knead well and leave the dough for about 5-10 minutes and then try making the dough balls.

• Not too long after making them into balls, top them with a nut of your choice. I chose pistachio as I loved the contrast of colours here :) 
• Place a half sliced pistachio/any other nut on top and press in slightly to keep them in place. 
• Serve with a smile :)

My Diwali specials - Besan Ladoos and Coconut stuffed Buns :) What has been cooking in your kitchen? :)

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Celebrating India Sweets

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