Boondi Ladoo is a popular Indian sweet made from small, fried chickpea flour droplets (boondi) that are soaked in sugar syrup and shaped into round ladoos. A step-by-step guide on how to make Boondi Ladoo:
Ingredients:
For Boondi:
- 1 cup besan (chickpea flour)
- 1/4 cup water
- A pinch of baking soda
- A pinch of orange food color (optional)
- Ghee (clarified butter) for frying
For Sugar Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- A pinch of cardamom powder
For Ladoo:
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios, etc.)
- A few raisins (optional)
Instructions:
For Boondi:
1. Preparing the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine besan (chickpea flour), water, a pinch of baking soda, and a pinch of orange food color (if using). Mix to form a smooth, lump-free batter. The batter should be of pouring consistency, not too thick or thin.
2. Frying Boondi:
- Heat ghee in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Make sure the ghee is hot but not smoking.
- Hold a perforated ladle or slotted spoon with small holes over the hot ghee. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the ladle and gently tap it to let the batter drop into the hot ghee. The batter will form tiny droplets (boondi).
- Fry the boondi until they are light golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the ghee and drain any excess oil. Set aside.
For Sugar Syrup:
3. Preparing the Sugar Syrup:
- In a separate saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Continue to boil the sugar syrup until it reaches a one-string consistency. To check, take a drop of syrup between your thumb and forefinger; it should form a single thread when you pull your fingers apart. Remove from heat and add a pinch of cardamom powder.
Assembling Ladoo:
4. Mixing Boondi and Sugar Syrup:
- Add the fried boondi to the hot sugar syrup and mix well. The boondi will absorb the syrup.
5. Shaping Ladoo:
- While the mixture is still warm, take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a round ladoo. You can add chopped nuts and raisins to each ladoo for extra flavor.
6. Cooling and Setting:
- Allow the ladoos to cool and set. They will become firm as they cool down.
7. Storing:
- Once the ladoos have completely cooled and set, store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for several days.
Boondi ladoo is a delightful Indian sweet that's often prepared during festivals and special occasions. Enjoy these round, golden ladoos that are a perfect blend of sweetness and nuttiness.