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    You are here: Home / Akshay Tritiya Festive Recipes / Besan Ladoo Recipe

    by [Archana Potdar] · This post may contain affiliate links · 60 Comments

    Besan Ladoo Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    A classic, traditional Indian sweet! A great choice for prasadam or just an afternoon snack.

    Besan Ladoo a dessert that is a must for any festivity.
    Besan Unde

    A ladoo that does not need much expertise to make is made from besan or Bengal Gram flour and ghee or clarified butter. Besan  Ladoo is made for any festival or special occasion also called Besan laddu or Besan Unde!  In fact, festivities even Ganesh are incomplete without them.

    Besan Unde uses pantry ingredients chickpea flour (besan), clarified butter and sugar! Toss in a few dry fruits and you have a yum  Besan Ladoo, a round ball of magic that melts in your mouth.  

    Archana

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    You can also check some other ladoos like Tambit, and Easy Semolina Laddoo. But like me, you may prefer a chakli before a cup of tea.

    Content:

    Hello, and welcome I am known as The Mad Scientist’s Kitchen, Reinventing the Foodie in you! 

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    Besan, unde, Laddoo, oondi,
    This is Besan Laddu

    Besan Ladoo and me

    As a child, any festival meant one delicious laddoo made from besan, and anytime, anyplace used to be “Unddi” time! Something we used to try and eat as many as we could lay our (grubby) hands on as kids.  

    I remember for my aunt’s wedding when laddoo and avalakki (poha) was made at home the entire clan sitting to make these balls of delicious sweet both Besan Ladoo and Rava Ladoo. I must have been about 5-6 years old. I helped too, eating quite a few as they were being made!  

    One of the many traditional recipes that granny made the best.  Mine gave me 2 because I was her favourite but now I think they were smaller than the regular ladoos she made. 

    Besan Ladoo‘s shelf life is  2-3 weeks so they were our travel companions too. My mom carried them in steel containers while travelling.  The heat of the train journey used to melt the ghee and we had one big lump in the container. Even on the train, she made the ladoos for us.  However, the results of eating too many of them are tummy upsets.  We have some hilarious memories of the mishaps we had while travelling and too many laddoos.

    Why make MSK recipe?

    Like most other recipes on my blog this recipe is

    • Easy
    • Delicious
    • Gluten-free
    • Kids love them
    • double up as a snack and dessert

    How to make Besan Ladoo:

    Ingredients:

    You will need these ingredients for exact measures please check the recipe card.

    • Besan or chickpea flour
    • Clarified buutter/ghee
    • Powdered white sugar
    • Green cardamom or elichi
    • Dry Fruits
    • Optional ingredients: Sooji or rava is added to  Besan Ladoo to give it a slight crunch. But then these ladoos are called Rava Besan Ladoo. 

    Substitutes:

    • I have seen recipes using oil in place of ghee. I will not recommend it but you are welcome to try it out.
    • Use nutmeg and cardamom as flavouring agents.

    Method:

    • In a thick wok add clarified butter and besan on low flame start heating the mixture stirring constantly.
    • You may need to add more clarified butter about ¼ cup but go easy add about 2 tablespoons at a time. Resist the temptation to add more clarified butter.
    • After about  20-25 minutes the batter changes colour from yellow to deep amber and the aroma is heavenly.
    • Switch off the gas and let it cool fully.
    • Meanwhile, grind the sugar and cardamom the nutmeg piece if you plan to add it in the mixer to a fine powder.  
    • Mix the powdered sugar mixture in the cooled besan mix this forms a dry dough but when squuezed comes together.
    • Check for sweetness, add more sugar or flavourings if needed.
    • Now make small balls of the mixture and stick a nut and raisin before rolling it into a smooth ball.

    Storage:

    • Your laddu stays good for 3 weeks if stored in an airtight box.
    Laddu a sweet that is very commonly made in the Indian subcontinent
    Unde....

    For Your Questions

    Pro-tips:

    • Ideally use coarse chickpea flour to make ladoos.
    • Ghee or clarified butter while I prefer my homemade ghee you can try the commercial ones you like.
    • Roasting the besan is the most important job. Low flame and lots and lots of patience.
    • Stir constantly this is not a heavy-duty stirring but a job that gives you fantastic results. If the besan is not roasted properly the ladoos will taste raw and will be bitter.  This is your crucial step.
    • Cooking on low flame and patience this is most important . The low heat cooks the besan properly. If you increase the heat then the flour does turn amber yellow, brown but it will be raw. Your ladoo will taste bitter.
    • Your besan and clarified butter/ghee mixture should be like a paste and not runny. But if needed add 1 tablespoon at a time.
    • Lastly, let the besan cool completely before you add the sugar.  I generally do my roasting in the evening. Then next day add the sugar and make my ladoos. This way the batter cools completely. Adding sugar in warm batter messes up the batter and you cannot shape the ball.Do roast on low flame and stir constantly.
    • You can add the nuts and raisins to the dough and mix it up and then make the ladoos. What happens is a disappointment as the. nuts and rasins are not evenly distributed.

    Frequently asked questions:

    • So how do you know if the besan is roasted?  

      As besan roasts, you will get a heavenly aroma. But the most important test is the colour changes from batter changes colour from yellow to deep amber an unmistakable hue. The batter stops being lumpy smoothes out.

    • How can I fix excess ghee in Besan Ladoo?

      Ooh! been there and have really rued not being patient and adding the extra ghee. Do not worry there is a solution.
      Take another wok, add some more chickpea flour and roast on low flame till you get a good aroma and the colour changes.
      Please remember not to add any ghee to this chickpea flour.
      Once done cool and add it to the batter especially if you have added sugar to the batter already.
      You will have to add some more powdered sugar to bring up the sweetness of the batter. 

    • What will happen if I over roast the besan and ghee?

      While it is important to roast the besan properly on low flame it is also important that you do not over roast the besan. You will get a burnt smell for the ladoos and they will taste weird. Also, remember that the heat of the pan will also continue cooking the besan.

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    Disclaimer: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.in and affiliated sites. When you click and buy through this site, it helps us earn to keep this site running.

    Other Sweets you may like:

    Recipe Card:

    Besan, unde, Laddoo, oondi,

    Besan Ladoo Recipe

    Use pantry ingredients to make Besan  Ladoo. Also called Besan Laddu or Besan Unde!  In fact festivities are incomplete without them.
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Desserts, Snack
    Cuisine: Indian
    Keyword: Besan, Ladoo, Traditional Food, Travel Snacks
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 15 ladoos
    Calories: 144kcal
    Author: ArchanaPotdar

    Equipment

    • Kadhai/wok
    • Spoons and Ladles
    • Bowl for mixing
    • chutney jar of mixer/blender

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups besan/split bengal gram flour coarsely ground
    • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
    • 1 cup ghee/clarified butter
    • ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
    • Nuts and raisins

    Instructions

    • In a thick kadhai/wok mix the ghee and besan.
    • On low flame keep stirring the besan. You will need about 20-25 min.
    • Your batter consistency should not be runny but more like a paste so do not add all the ghee at once. You can always add a little later.
    • You have to continue stirring till the colour changes from yellow to deep amber and the aroma is heavenly.
    • Switch off the gas and let it cool fully.
    • Add the cardamom powder and sugar. Mix well.
    • Now make small balls of the mixture and stick a nut and raisin before rolling it into a smooth ball.

    Notes

    Pro-tips:
    • Ideally use coarse chickpea flour to make ladoos.
    • Ghee or clarified butter while I prefer my homemade ghee you can try the commercial ones. 
    • Roasting the besan is the most important job. Low flame and lots and lots of patience.
    • Stir constantly this is not a heavy-duty stirring but a job that gives you fantastic results. If the besan is not roasted properly the ladoos will taste raw and will be bitter.  This is your crucial step.
    • Cooking on low flame and patience this is most important . The low heat cooks the besan properly. If you increase the heat then the flour does turn amber yellow, brown but it will be raw. Your ladoo will taste bitter.
    • Your besan and clarified butter/ghee mixture should be like a paste and not runny. But if needed add 1 tablespoon at a time.
    • Lastly, let the besan cool completely before you add the sugar.  I generally do my roasting in the evening. Then next day add the sugar and make my ladoos. This way the batter cools completely. Adding sugar in warm batter messes up the batter and you cannot shape the ball.Do roast on low flame and stir constantly.
    • You can add the nuts and raisins to the dough and mix it up and then make the ladoos. What happens is a disappointment as the. nuts and raisins are not evenly distributed.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @themadscientistskitchen or tag #themadscientistkitchen!
    Nutrition Facts
    Besan Ladoo Recipe
    Amount Per Serving (1 piece)
    Calories 144 Calories from Fat 59
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 6.5g10%
    Carbohydrates 18.7g6%
    Fiber 1.4g6%
    Protein 3g6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Nutritional Disclaimer: I am not a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Please check with your nutritionist for your dietary needs and restrictions. Ultimately you are responsible for your decisions.

    Pin for Later:

    More Akshay Tritiya Festive Recipes

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    Please also subscribe to my mailing list and join me in my journey of Food! Will enjoy seeing what you make so that I too can learn from you!!!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. All time favourite besan laddoos and they looks extremely delicious.

      Reply

    2. Those laddos have surely turned out so delicious Arch..good job in shaping it so neatly!

      Reply

    3. Not sure if my comment came through!..the laddos look very nicely shaped..very delicious one..

      Reply

    4. Amazing besan ladoos, perfectly shaped.

      Reply

    5. These have come out so well - perfectly round and shiny.

      Reply

    6. Love laddoos anytime and began ones top the list ! Perfectly made beauties .

      Reply

    7. Ladoos look so good and perfectly shaped, Archana! Superb!

      Reply

    8. Perfectly made besan laddoo. They look amazing.

      Reply

    9. The laddoos are so smooth and perfect!

      Reply

    10. Perfectly made laddus, Archana

      Reply

    11. Besan Ladoo are my favourite. Looks yummy.

      Reply

    12. Perfectly done ladoo

      Reply

    13. Laddoos look so well made and delicious. It is amazing how they taste so good with just a few ingredients. All available in our kitchens and we can make them anytime unplanned also.

      Reply

      • Thnaks, Shobha

        Reply

    14. some desserts are ever green no matter how many times you make that , you are still going to love it and this is that perfect one. looks lovely and delicious

      Reply

      • Thanks, Lindsy. You hit the nail on the head.

        Reply

    15. Besan ladoos look delicious. Easy to make sweet with simple ingredients.

      Reply

      • Thanks, dear.

        Reply

    16. Gannu bappa will be very happy to get these rich and delicious ladooos . I love besan ladoos but as you said cannot gorge more for the fear of upset stomach . Love yhe shiny finish on your ladoos

      Reply

      • Thanks, Priya.

        Reply

    17. Besan ladoos look delicious. I haven't made these for a long time. Reading your recipe, I am tempted to make them too.

      Reply

      • 😀 Love the fact that I am not the only one tempted.

        Reply

    18. Besan ladoo is the best sweet that we can prepare , it stays good for a long period and tasty too. They look delicious.

      Reply

      • Thanks.

        Reply

    19. I've often tasted besan ladoo especially when given out as prasadam but haven't tried making them at home. They definitely are melt in the mouth kind and tasty. I think for this upcoming festivities I should try making them.

      Reply

      • Do try, send them across. I love them.

        Reply

    20. Who can say no to such a wonderful ladoo...Easy to make dessert with simple ingredients and so so delicious to binge on!!

      Reply

      • 😀

        Reply

    21. Wow look at those perfect little spheres! So smooth and shiny! i love making ladoos, as they are one of the quickest, easiest and most versatile dessert to make! I have never made besan ladoo this way, would love to try next time!

      Reply

      • 😀 Thanks, Priya.

        Reply

    22. Long time I didn’t make besan ladoo at home, now I am craving it by seeing your delicious post. They’re perfectly made and shape too. Lovely!

      Reply

      • Thanks.

        Reply

    23. 5 stars
      I am always willing to surrender myself for these delicious besan ladoos. By merely looking at their pictures, my mouth is watering. Yum.

      Reply

      • Thanks.

        Reply

    24. 5 stars
      Beautifully made besan ladoo Archana. They look rich and decadent. Loved reading your memories associated with these 🙂

      Reply

      • Thanks.

        Reply

    25. 5 stars
      These are my all time favourite besan ladoos and they looks extremely delicious. It's a must recipe to be made during festival season.

      Reply

      • True. Thanks, Lata.

        Reply

    26. 5 stars
      As you said Besan ladoos are favorite in almost all Indian homes. Your Besan ladoo has turned out so smooth and looks absolutely melt in moouth

      Reply

      • 😀 Thanks.

        Reply

    27. 5 stars
      The ladoos are so smooth and perfect! Love festival season so we can enjoy our memories and also indulge in all our favorite sweets.

      Reply

      • Thanks.

        Reply

    28. 5 stars
      This is one of the favorite ladoo. We make this for Ashtami and Diwali too. Looks yummy and neat.

      Reply

      • Thank you.

        Reply

    29. These Besan ladoos are classic and so delicious, a must recipe for any ladoo lovers. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply

      • Thanks.

        Reply

    30. 5 stars
      This ever green classic dish is something we can never get bored of......Besan ladoo looks so delicious with perfect texture with a melt in the mouth feel...Apt for the festive season!!

      Reply

      • Thanks, Padma.

        Reply

    31. 5 stars
      Besan ladoo is heart and soul of Indian sweets. Love it to the core. You have made them so perfectly Archana. I feel like grabbing some from the screen.

      Reply

      • Thanks, Sapana.

        Reply

    32. besan ladoo definitely brings back a lot of memories.... these are so perfectly made arch...

      Reply

      • Thanks, Kalyani.

        Reply

    33. 5 stars
      I have my silly memories with this besan ladoo. One of my favourites and the good thing is that it is my sons favourite too. Love your tips and tricks on making this.

      Reply

      • Thanks, Renu.

        Reply

    34. 5 stars
      I love besan ladoos and these ones look delicious. THank you for sharing video instructions to make it easier for beginners.

      Reply

      • thanks.

        Reply

    35. 5 stars
      These besan laddoos look simply amazing, Madame Scientist! They are a great celebratory recipe I think and pleases everyone!

      Reply

      • 😀 it is! Thanks, Azlin.

        Reply

    36. 5 stars
      Love besan ladoo, they literally just melt in the mouth if made properly. Love the easy recipe and best part is that one can make them well ahead of any festival.

      Reply

      • 😀

        Reply

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