Laddu

Laddu or Ladoo is a sphere-shaped sweet originating from the Indian Subcontinent. Laddus are primarily made from flour, fat (ghee/butter/oil), and sugar. Laddus are often served at festive or religious occasions in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Ingredients and Preparation

The primary ingredients in a traditional laddu include gram flour (besan), ghee (clarified butter), and sugar. Some variations also include ingredients like chopped nuts, dried raisins, grated coconut, and cardamom seeds.

The preparation of laddu involves roasting the gram flour in ghee, adding sugar, and then shaping the mixture into round balls. The mixture is often cooked on a low flame to ensure the laddus do not burn and retain their soft texture.

Varieties

There are many varieties of laddus, each differing in ingredients and preparation methods. Some of the popular types include:

• Besan Laddu: Made from gram flour, ghee, and sugar. It is a popular sweet dish in North India during festivals like Diwali.
• Boondi Laddu: Made from boondi (small fried balls made from gram flour), sugar syrup, and often garnished with nuts and raisins.
• Motichoor Laddu: A variation of boondi laddu, where the boondis are much smaller and the laddu has a softer texture.
• Rava Laddu: Made from semolina, sugar, ghee, milk, and dry fruits. It is a popular sweet in South India.
• Coconut Laddu: Made from grated coconut, sugar, and milk. It is often served during the festival of Navaratri.

Cultural Significance

Laddus have a significant cultural and religious importance in the Indian subcontinent. They are often offered as prasad (a religious offering) in Hindu temples and during religious ceremonies. Laddus are also a popular sweet during Indian festivals like Diwali, Holi, Navaratri, and Raksha Bandhan.

In addition, laddus have a symbolic role in Indian weddings. A ceremony called "Laddu Maar" involves the bride's brothers giving laddus to the groom and his family, symbolizing the sweet bond between the two families.