Ganesh Chaturthi is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. As part of the festivities, offering sweets to Lord Ganesha is a beloved tradition. One of the most popular sweets prepared during this time is Besan Ladoo, a delightful Indian sweet made from roasted gram flour, ghee, sugar, and flavored with cardamom. This rich, melt-in-your-mouth delicacy holds special significance during the festival and is enjoyed by families across India as part of the festive prasad.

Ingredients of Besan Ladoo

2 cups besan (gram flour)
1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
3/4 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp cardamom powder (optional)
2 tbsp chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, or pistachios) – optional
A pinch of salt (optional, to enhance flavor)

How to Make Besan Ladoo

To prepare Besan Ladoo, start by heating 1/2 cup of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over low to medium heat. Once the ghee melts, add 2 cups of besan (gram flour) and stir continuously to avoid burning. Roast the besan for about 10-15 minutes until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. This step is crucial for ensuring the flour is thoroughly roasted.

Once the besan is roasted, add 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder and a pinch of salt (optional) for enhanced flavor. Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. After it has cooled down to a warm temperature, mix in 3/4 cup of powdered sugar. Stir well until the sugar is evenly combined with the roasted besan mixture.

Now, take small portions of the mixture in your hands and roll them into round balls (ladoos). If you'd like, you can add chopped nuts such as almonds, cashews, or pistachios either inside the ladoos or as a garnish.

Let the ladoos cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Properly roasted and prepared, these ladoos can be stored for up to 2-3 weeks, making them a perfect treat for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.