Besan Laddu Recipe | Step-by-Step Halwai Style Besan Laddu

Besan Laddu recipe

Besan Laddu, also known as Besan ke Laddu, is one of the most loved traditional Indian sweets made from roasted gram flour (besan), pure desi ghee, and powdered sugar. These golden, melt-in-the-mouth ladoos are known for their rich aroma, nutty taste, and soft texture, making them a favorite in every Indian household.

What makes Besan Laddu so famous is its simplicity and deep cultural connection. This sweet is often prepared during Indian festivals like Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Holi, as well as during special occasions, pujas, and weddings. It’s not just a sweet – it’s a nostalgic taste of home, often made by grandmothers with love.

Whether you’re celebrating a festival or simply craving something sweet, this easy Besan Laddu recipe is perfect to satisfy your taste buds. Let’s learn how to make it step-by-step with simple ingredients and pro tips!

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Ingredients for Besan Laddu

– 1 cup Besan (gram flour)
– 1/2 cup Desi Ghee (clarified butter)
– 3/4 cup Powdered Sugar (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 tsp Cardamom Powder (Elaichi)
– 2 tbsp Chopped Dry Fruits (optional – cashew, almond, pistachio)
– 1 tsp Rava (Semolina) (optional – for texture)

Steps for Making Besan Laddu

Step 1: Roast the Besan
Heat desi ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan on low flame. Add besan (gram flour) and start roasting it. Keep stirring continuously to avoid burning. Roast until the flour turns golden brown and a nutty aroma fills the kitchen. This may take 15–20 minutes. If using rava, add it along with besan for extra texture.

Step 2: Cool the Mixture Slightly
Once the besan is roasted properly, turn off the flame and let the mixture cool down slightly. It should be warm but not hot when you add the sugar, otherwise the sugar may melt and ruin the texture of the ladoo.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Cardamom
Add powdered sugar and cardamom powder to the warm besan mixture. Mix everything well using a spatula or your hands until the sugar is completely blended with the roasted flour.

Step 4: Add Dry Fruits (Optional)
Now, add finely chopped dry fruits like almonds, cashews, or pistachios. You can also lightly roast them before adding to enhance the crunch and flavor. This step is optional but adds a nice bite to the ladoos.

Step 5: Shape the Ladoos
Take a small portion of the mixture in your hand and shape it into a round ball. Repeat the process with the remaining mixture. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a little warm ghee.

Step 6: Cool and Store
Let the besan ladoos cool down completely. Store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.

Special Tips for Besan Laddu Recipe

1. Roast on Low Flame Only
   Always roast besan on a low flame with constant stirring. This brings out the rich, nutty aroma and avoids raw taste or burning.

2. Use Fresh Besan
   Old or stale besan may have a bitter taste. Always use fresh gram flour for best flavor and texture.

3. Don't Add Sugar in Hot Mixture
   Let the roasted besan cool down slightly before adding powdered sugar. If added too hot, sugar will melt and make the mixture sticky.

4. Add Rava for Texture (Optional)
   Adding a teaspoon of fine semolina (rava/sooji) gives a slight crunch and prevents the ladoos from being too soft.

5. Adjust Ghee Carefully
   If your mixture is too dry and not binding well, add 1–2 tsp warm ghee. But don’t add too much, or the ladoos will become greasy.

FAQs About Besan Laddu

Q1. Why are my besan laddoos not binding properly?
 It’s likely because the mixture is too dry. Add a little warm ghee (1–2 tsp) and mix again to help bind the laddoos.

Q2. Can I use jaggery instead of sugar?
 Yes! Powdered jaggery can be used as a healthier substitute. Just make sure to mix it when the mixture is only warm, not hot.

Q3. How long can I store besan ladoo?
 Besan ladoos stay fresh for up to 2 weeks at room temperature in an airtight container.

Q4. Why does my ladoo taste bitter?
 This usually happens if the besan was over-roasted or if stale besan was used. Always roast on low flame and use fresh flour.

Q5. Can I make besan ladoos vegan?
 Yes, you can use coconut oil or any plant-based ghee instead of dairy ghee, but the flavor will slightly differ.

Conclusion

Besan Ladoo is not just a sweet — it’s an emotion tied to Indian festivals and family traditions. With the right roasting technique and simple ingredients, you can easily make this delicious homemade mithai in your own kitchen. Whether it's Diwali, Rakhi, or any special day, these laddoos are sure to bring joy to everyone. Try this recipe today and share the love in the form of these golden treats!