Laddoo

Laddoo is a spherical sweet confection popular in South Asia. It is a common festive and celebratory food, made from various ingredients and methods. The most common base ingredients include flour (like besan or semolina), ghee (clarified butter), and sugar. Other ingredients can include nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and spices.

The preparation of laddoo typically involves roasting flour or other base ingredients in ghee until fragrant and lightly browned. This mixture is then combined with sugar or jaggery, and often finely chopped nuts or seeds. The warm mixture is then rolled into small, compact balls while still pliable. The texture of laddoo can vary from soft and melt-in-your-mouth to slightly firm and crumbly, depending on the ingredients and preparation.

There are numerous regional variations of laddoo. For example, Besan Laddoo, made primarily from gram flour, is very popular. Motichoor Laddoo is known for its tiny, granular texture made from fine, fried gram flour droplets that are then bound together with syrup. Coconut Laddoo uses grated coconut as a primary ingredient, often combined with condensed milk. Other popular types include Rava Laddoo (semolina), Atta Laddoo (whole wheat flour), and various fruit-based laddoos. Laddoos are often gifted during festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Raksha Bandhan, and are a staple at weddings and other auspicious occasions.