Laadijal

Laadijal is a term sometimes used to refer to a specific type of traditional Indian snack. While not a universally recognized or standardized name, it often describes a sweet, fried dough confection. The base ingredient is typically made from flour, such as wheat or chickpea flour, mixed with water or milk to form a batter or dough. This mixture is then often flavored with spices like cardamom, or sometimes sweetened directly.

The preparation of laadijal involves shaping the dough, often into small balls or intricate decorative forms, before deep-frying it in hot oil until golden brown and crisp. Once fried, these snacks may be coated in sugar syrup, jaggery, or a dusting of powdered sugar and spices. The texture is usually crunchy on the outside and slightly softer within. Laadijal can be enjoyed as a dessert or a tea-time snack and its preparation can vary significantly from region to region and household to household within India, leading to different interpretations of the name. Some variations might resemble other well-known Indian sweets like boondi or certain types of namkeen.