Diwali Series #3 "HOW TO MAKE BESAN LADOO WITH JAGGERY: A SWEET DELIGHT"

Besan Ladoo, a popular Indian sweet treat, is not only delicious but also simple to prepare. Traditionally, it is made with roasted gram flour, ghee, sugar, and various flavorings. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in healthier alternatives to sugar, leading to the emergence of Besan Ladoo made with jaggery. Jaggery, a natural sweetener, adds a unique flavor and nutritional benefits to this classic dessert. In this blog, we'll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make Besan Ladoo with jaggery.

Ingredients:

For making Besan Ladoo with Jaggery, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of Besan (gram flour)
• 1 cup of grated jaggery
• 1/2 cup of ghee
• A pinch of cardamom powder (optional)
• Chopped nuts like almonds or cashews (optional)

Instructions:

1. Roast the Besan:
• Heat a heavy-bottomed pan on low-medium flame.
• Add Besan to the pan and dry roast it. Keep stirring continuously to avoid burning. Roast until the besan changes color and releases a nutty aroma. This process may take around 15-20 minutes.
2. Add Ghee:
• Once the Besan is roasted, add ghee to it. Continue to stir the mixture as you add ghee.
• Roast the mixture until the ghee is well-incorporated, and the besan turns a rich golden brown color. This should take approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Introduce Jaggery:
• Gradually add the grated jaggery to the roasted besan and ghee mixture.
• Keep stirring until the jaggery melts and blends with the besan. The mixture should become slightly more liquidy.
4. Flavoring with Cardamom:
• If you'd like to add some extra flavor to your Besan Ladoo, sprinkle a pinch of cardamom powder into the mixture and stir well.
5. Cool the Mixture:
• Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. It should be warm but not too hot to handle.
6. Shape the Ladoos:
• Grease your hands with a little ghee to prevent sticking.
• Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a round ball or ladoo. You can make them as big or small as you prefer.
• Optionally, you can press a chopped nut like almonds or cashews on top of each ladoo.
7. Let Them Set:
• Place the shaped Besan Ladoos on a plate or tray to cool and set. They will harden as they cool down.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
• Once the Besan Ladoos have completely cooled and set, transfer them to an airtight container.
• They can be stored for a few weeks at room temperature.

Health Benefits of Besan Ladoo with Jaggery:

Besan Ladoo with jaggery is a healthier alternative to the traditional sugar-laden version. Here are some health benefits of this delightful sweet:

1. Natural Sweetener: Jaggery is a natural sweetener that provides essential minerals like iron and potassium. It's a better choice for those looking to reduce their refined sugar intake.
2. Protein-Rich: Besan, or gram flour, is a good source of plant-based protein and is often used in vegetarian and vegan diets.
3. Rich in Healthy Fats: Ghee is used in moderation in this recipe, providing healthy fats that are important for various bodily functions.
4. No Artificial Additives: This homemade recipe ensures that you're not consuming any artificial colors or preservatives.

Besan Ladoo with jaggery is a delightful and healthier twist on a beloved Indian sweet. With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create these delicious treats at home. Whether you're making them for a festive occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, they are sure to be a hit. Plus, the natural sweetness of jaggery and the nutritional benefits of besan make this recipe a guilt-free indulgence. Give it a try and enjoy the wholesome goodness of Besan Ladoo with jaggery!

Happy cooking and indulging!