Besan Ladoo

Shopping list

• 2 cups gram flour (besan)

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• 0.75 cups ghee (clarified butter) — melted

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• 1 cups powdered sugar — or castor sugar

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• 0.5 teaspoon cardamom powder

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• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts — (cashews, almonds, or pistachios)

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Step by step

1. 1

   Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan on low flame. Add the besan and mix well.

2. 2

   Cook the mixture on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring constantly. The flour will turn golden and give off a rich, nutty aroma.

3. 3

   Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of water into the hot mixture and stir for a minute to make the texture grainy (optional).

4. 4

   Remove the pan from the stove. Let the mixture cool down until it is warm or lukewarm to the touch.

5. 5

   Stir in the powdered sugar and cardamom powder. Mix well with your hands to break any lumps.

6. 6

   Take small portions of the warm mixture. Press and roll them firmly between your palms to form round balls.

7. 7

   Top each ladoo with a piece of nut. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container.