Besan Laddu 
(Indian sweet chickpea flour balls)

Balls of besan laddu
Image by Soniya Goyal

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.

Besan Laddu

Besan Laddu

Course: Desserts, CandyCuisine: India
Makes about

12

balls

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.

Ingredients

  • Ghee or oil — 1 cup

  • Chickpea flour (besan) — 3 cups

  • Sugar — 1 1/2 cups

  • Cardamom, ground — 1 teaspoon

Directions

  • Heat the ghee or oil in a saute 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 to 20 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Besan Laddu Notes and Variations

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

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