Besan Laddu

Besan laddu or ladoo is a very easy sweet to make and is popular throughout India, especially at festivals and celebrations. It is said to be the favorite sweet of the elephant-headed Lord Ganesh.

Makes about 12 balls

• Ghee or oil -- 1 cup
• Chick pea flour (besan) -- 3 cups
• Sugar -- 1 1/2 cups
• Cardamom, ground -- 1 teaspoon

Method

1. Heat the ghee or oil in a sauté pan over medium-low flame. Stir in the chickpea flour and cook it slowly, stirring until the flour begins to take on a brownish-red color, about 15-20 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
2. Remove the cooked flour from the heat and stir in the sugar and cardamom to form a thick dough. Remove from heat and set aside to cool down a little.
3. Using lightly greased hands, form into the dough into balls about the size of a large walnut. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Variations

• Stir in 1/2 cup chopped almonds, cashews or raisins when you add the sugar.

Notes

• Often spelled besan ladoo or besan laddoo.