Unlock The Recipe For Authentic Motichoor Ladoo In Your Kitchen

Motichoor Ladoo is made by frying tiny besan pearls (boondis), soaking them in sugar syrup, and shaping them into ladoos. The syrup is flavored with cardamom and saffron, adding richness. Once the boondi absorbs the syrup, they are shaped into round ladoos and garnished. These ladoos are perfect for festive occasions.

Harpreet Kour Updated: Sep 23, 2024 8:57 PM IST

Motichoor Ladoo is a popular Indian sweet made from tiny fried pearls of besan soaked in sugar syrup and shaped into ladoos. To make them, prepare a batter with besan, water, and food color, then fry the batter into tiny boondis using a perforated spoon. Make sugar syrup with sugar, water, cardamom, and saffron, then mix the fried boondi in the syrup. Let the mixture absorb the syrup, then shape into round ladoos. Garnish with chopped nuts or silver leaf. Store in an airtight container for freshness.

Ingredients:

  • For the Boondi (tiny fried pearls):

    • 1 cup besan (gram flour)
    • 1 tablespoon semolina (optional, for extra crispiness)
    • Water (as needed to make a smooth batter)
    • A pinch of orange food color (optional, traditionally used for color)
    • Ghee or oil for deep frying
  • For the Sugar Syrup:

    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1/2 cup water
    • 4-5 cardamom pods, crushed
    • A few saffron strands (optional)
    • 1 teaspoon rose water or kewra water (optional for fragrance)
  • For Garnish:

    • 2-3 tablespoons chopped pistachios or almonds (optional)
    • Edible silver leaf (optional for decoration)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Batter for Boondi:

  • In a mixing bowl, sift the besan (gram flour) and mix with semolina if using.
  • Gradually add water and mix to form a smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be a bit runny but not too thin. Add a pinch of orange food color if desired for a traditional look.
  • Set the batter aside for 10 minutes.

2. Fry the Boondi:

  • Heat ghee or oil in a deep pan for frying.
  • To make tiny boondis (small pearls), use a boondi ladle or perforated spoon. Hold the ladle above the hot oil, and pour a ladleful of batter onto the boondi ladle. Gently tap the ladle so that tiny droplets of batter fall into the oil.
  • Fry the boondis on medium heat until they are golden but not crispy. They should remain soft, not crunchy. Drain them on a paper towel. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.

3. Prepare the Sugar Syrup:

  • In a saucepan, add 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
  • Add cardamom pods, saffron strands (if using), and a few drops of rose water or kewra water. Boil the syrup until it reaches a one-string consistency (when a small drop of syrup between your fingers forms a thin string when pulled apart). Turn off the heat.

4. Combine the Boondi with Sugar Syrup:

  • Immediately add the fried boondi to the hot sugar syrup. Mix gently so that all the boondi is coated in the syrup. Let the mixture rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing the boondi to absorb the syrup fully.

5. Shaping the Ladoos:

  • Once the boondi has absorbed the syrup and cooled enough to handle, grease your palms with a little ghee and take small portions of the mixture. Shape them into round ladoos by pressing the mixture firmly between your hands.
  • Repeat until all the mixture is shaped into ladoos.

6. Garnishing the Ladoos:

  • Garnish each ladoo with chopped pistachios or almonds for a crunchy bite. If desired, decorate with edible silver leaf for a festive look.

7. Storing the Ladoos:

  • Allow the ladoos to cool completely and set. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Tips:

  • To make perfect boondi, the batter consistency should be slightly runny, and the oil should be at the right temperature not too hot or cold.
  • The sugar syrup's one-string consistency is essential to get the right sweetness and texture.
  • You can add a little ghee to the boondi mixture before shaping them into ladoos to enhance the flavor and texture.

Enjoy your homemade Motichoor Ladoo, a delightful Indian sweet that's perfect for festivals and celebrations.