Haldirams Motichoor Laddoo

Motichoor Laddoo is a traditional Indian sweet made from tiny fried gram flour balls that are soaked in sugar syrup and then shaped into round laddoos (sweet balls). It's a popular dessert served during festivals, weddings, and other celebrations. Here's how you can make Motichoor Laddoo at home:

Ingredients:

For the gram flour balls:

• Besan (gram flour): 1 cup
• Water: Approximately 1 cup (or as needed to make a batter)
• Ghee or oil: For frying

For the sugar syrup:

• Sugar: 1 cup
• Water: 1/2 cup
• Saffron strands: A pinch (optional)
• Cardamom powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Lemon juice: 1/2 teaspoon

For assembling the laddoos:

• Chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios): For garnishing
• Ghee: 1 tablespoon
• Edible camphor (a tiny pinch, optional for flavor)

Instructions:

Making the gram flour balls:

1. In a bowl, mix besan with water to create a smooth batter. It should be a bit thinner than pancake batter but not too watery.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a deep frying pan.
3. Using a slotted spoon or a ladle with holes, pour small amounts of the batter through the holes into the hot ghee. This will create tiny droplets that will fry into small balls. These balls are known as "boondi."
4. Fry the boondis until they are golden and crispy, but not too dark. Remove them using a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on a paper towel.

Making the sugar syrup:

1. In another pan, combine sugar and water to make the sugar syrup.
2. Heat the mixture and let the sugar dissolve. Add saffron strands if using.
3. Cook the syrup until it reaches one-string consistency. This means that if you take a small amount of syrup between your fingers and pull them apart, a single string should form.

Soaking the boondis:

1. Pour the hot sugar syrup over the fried boondis.
2. Let the boondis soak in the syrup for about 10-15 minutes. They will absorb the syrup and swell.

Assembling the laddoos:

1. After the boondis have soaked, gently mix them to evenly distribute the syrup.
2. Add cardamom powder and a tiny pinch of edible camphor (if using) for flavor.
3. Heat ghee in a pan and lightly roast the chopped nuts. Add the roasted nuts to the boondi mixture and mix well.

Shaping the laddoos:

1. While the mixture is still warm, take small portions in your hands and shape them into round laddoos.
2. If the mixture is too dry to hold its shape, you can sprinkle a few drops of water to help bind it.

Garnishing and storing:

1. Once the laddoos are shaped, you can press a piece of chopped nut on top of each laddoo for garnishing.
2. Let the laddoos cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will firm up as they cool.

Motichoor Laddoos are a delightful and sweet treat that's loved by many. They have a unique texture and flavor, making them a cherished part of Indian sweet offerings.