Boondi Ladoo

Boondi Ladoo is quite a popular and special sweet treat which is made on festive as well as important occasions like weddings, engagement parties etc.  The first time I prepared these ladoos, nearly two decades ago, I was so ecstatic as never in my dreams did I ever think that I would be able to make these awesome ladoos!!  since then I try and make it a point to dish this sweet treat for important family occasions.

Ingredients to make 30 ladoos

2 Cups Channa dal or Besan split peas flour
1 Tsp. Rice flour
1 Cup Water
Pinch Soda Bicarbonate

For the Syrup

1 Cup Water
3 Cups Sugar

Spices

¼ Tsp. Yellow Food Colouring
½ Tsp. Cardamom Powder
Few Saffron
1 ½ Tsp. Nutmeg powder
4 Tbs. Ghee
10 Cloves
20 Sultanas
20 Cashew nut pieces
20 Small Sugar Crystals (Optional)

Boondhi Ladoo Recipe
Boondhi Ladoo

Preparation

Make the sugar syrup by adding the sugar to boiling water and let the syrup boil on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes
(To check if the syrup consistency is right, spoon the syrup out of the dish and whilst pouring the syrup back into the dish, it should have a thread like consistency)
Fry the cashew nut pieces in the 2 tablespoons of ghee till it turns golden brown and add the sultanas, cloves, sugar crystals, cashew nut pieces into the syrup
Add the remainder of the melted ghee to the syrup.

Mix the channa dal or split peas flour, rice flour and the soda Bicarbonate
Take portions of this mix, add the water little by little to make it into a semi solid consistency
Make the *boondi straight into the heated oil and add it to the sugar syrup
Now add all the spices into the boondi syrup mix
You may choose to leave it for half an hour or so or merely wait for it to cool down to make it into balls
Take handful of the mixture in the palm of the right hand and pressing it firmly with all the fingers Gently help to bring the mixture together with the left hand.
Repeat this process for the entire mixture.

The Boondi ladoo  is ready to be served.

* Boondi is made by using a special ladle with holes or perforations in it.
Take a couple of tablespoons of  flour mix (which is semi solid in consistency) and gently but swiftly rubbed on the ladle The tiny balls which fall into the oil is called Boondi*

Note:  If the boondi mixture with the syrup becomes powdery – make a light syrup with a cup of water and four tablespoons of sugar.  Bring it to the boil and let it boil for about 4-5 minutes.  Pour it in the powdered mix and make the ladoos.

 

Comments

  1. Shobha, I tried boondis without adding soda, so some of them came flat. I will try according to your recipe next time with soda and will give you feedback.

     
    • Shobha Krishnan says:

      Hey Aruna – you have to add the baking soda – if not the boondhis will come out flat! thanks – let me know how you go or one day we can make it together!!!!

       
  2. How do you defy gravity Shobha? Mine gets elongateḍ. The first batch is usually perfect And then everything becomes longish! i never add baking soda either!

     
    • Shobha Krishnan says:

      Hi Shobana for one thing make sure that the bondhi mix is semi solid – even a little extra water would make it fall too quickly and elongated.
      Secondly, place the bondhi ladle close to the frying pan. – not high up….By trial and error I noticed that if you do not use bi carb soda the bondhi is flat.
      Always try one batch and adjust the mix accordingly!!!
      Happy Diwali to you and your family!!!

       
      • Semi-solid as in kara sev consistency? I was told to try and wash the ladle after every batcḥ that makes the thing even more watery I guesṣ . Will try – not the laddoo but kara boondi! Happy diwali to you and your family too.

         
  3. thanks for the process. why don’t you add a video?

     
    • Shobha Krishnan says:

      Thanks Shankar
      Wish I had the time to add videos – maybe some years later when I do not have a day job any more!!!
      Loved the ladoos you had made!

       
  4. Chitra Iyer says:

    will try it this year Shoba. Wish me luck 🙂

     
    • Shobha Krishnan says:

      Good Luck Chitra!!am sure it will turn out well!
      Just follow the recipe and if the boondhi ladoo turns out dry – make some thin syrup and add to it……..
      let me know how you go!! thank you and wish you a very happy diwali!