Traditional Besan Ladoo Recipe with Desi Ghee
Besan ladoo is one of the simplest traditional Indian sweets to make at home, needing just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience while roasting the flour.
Traditional Besan Ladoo Recipe with Desi Ghee
Besan ladoo is one of the simplest traditional Indian sweets to make at home, needing just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience while roasting the flour.
Last reviewed: 2026 | Reviewed by Haryana Brothers Editorial Team
Quick Answer
Traditional besan ladoo is made by slow-roasting gram flour in desi ghee until golden and fragrant, then mixing in powdered sugar or jaggery and chopped dry fruits, and shaping the warm mixture into round ladoos.
Core Ingredients
- Besan (gram flour)
- Desi ghee (cow or buffalo)
- Powdered sugar or jaggery powder
- Chopped dry fruits (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
- A pinch of cardamom powder (optional, for flavor)
The Traditional Method
Ghee is melted in a heavy pan, and besan is added and roasted slowly on low heat, stirring continuously, until it turns golden and releases a nutty aroma — this roasting step is the most important part, as under-roasted besan gives a raw, starchy taste.
Once roasted and cooled slightly, powdered sugar or jaggery and chopped dry fruits are mixed in, and the warm mixture is shaped into round ladoos by hand while it's still pliable.
Why the Ghee Matters
The quality of ghee used significantly affects the final flavor and aroma of besan ladoo, since ghee is both a cooking medium and a key flavor contributor in this recipe — traditionally, a good desi ghee is considered essential for an authentic result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my besan ladoo taste raw or bitter?
This is usually caused by under-roasting the besan — it needs to be roasted slowly until golden and fragrant, which can take longer than expected on low heat.
Can besan ladoo be made with jaggery instead of sugar?
Yes, jaggery is a traditional and common substitute for sugar in besan ladoo, giving it a deeper, caramel-like flavor.