Motichoor Ladoo is a sweet Indian dessert with a delicate texture and rich flavor that’s irresistible. They are made from tiny spheres of batter made from besan (gram flour), fried until golden brown, then drenched in saffron and cardamom-infused syrup.
In order to make Motichoor Ladoo, gram flour is mixed with water to form a smooth batter. Afterward, the batter is passed through a perforated ladle or sieve, creating tiny droplets known as “motivator” or “boondi.” These droplets are fried until they become crisp and golden, creating the ladoo’s signature texture.
Once fried, motichoor droplets are drained of excess oil and soaked in a sugar syrup spiced with cardamom and saffron. With the syrup absorbing into the droplets, they become soft, moist, and fragrant.
Motichoor droplets are then shaped into round balls or ladoos, either by hand or using a mold, and cooled and set. As a result, you are left with a delectable confection that melts in your mouth and is both sweet and fragrant.
Motichoor Ladoo Recipe
Ingredients
For the Motichoor Ladoo:
- 2 cups gram flour besan
- 1/2 cup water
- Ghee or vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron strands
- Chopped nuts such as almonds, pistachios for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour (besan) and water to make a smooth batter with a pouring consistency. Ensure no lumps remain in the batter.
- Allow the batter to rest for 10-15 minutes to let the gram flour absorb the water.
Step 2: Fry the Motichoor
- Heat ghee or vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or kadai over medium heat.
- Place a perforated ladle or slotted spoon (jhara) over the hot ghee or oil.
- Pour a ladleful of batter over the perforated ladle, and gently tap or spread the batter to let tiny droplets fall into the hot ghee.
- Fry the droplets until golden brown and crisp. Remove them from the ghee using another slotted spoon and drain excess oil by placing them on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Repeat the process with the remaining batter until all the motichoor is fried.
Step 3: Prepare the Sugar Syrup
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water to make a sugar syrup.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely and the syrup comes to a boil.
- Add cardamom powder and saffron strands to the syrup, and let it simmer for a few minutes until it reaches a one-string consistency. (To test the consistency, take a small amount of syrup between your thumb and index finger. When you pull them apart, a single thread or string should form.)
- Remove the sugar syrup from heat and keep it warm.
Step 4: Make the Ladoo
- Place the fried motichoor in a large mixing bowl.
- Gradually pour the warm sugar syrup over the motichoor, stirring gently to coat all the droplets evenly.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly until it is comfortable to handle.
- Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round ladoos by pressing and rolling them between your palms.
- Garnish the ladoos with chopped nuts if desired.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the Motichoor Ladoos are shaped, let them cool completely at room temperature.
- Store the ladoos in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be enjoyed for several days when stored properly.
Tips and Information
Tips and Information
- Frying Technique: Adjust the consistency of the batter to achieve perfect motichoor droplets. The batter should be smooth and flowing, but not too thin.
- Sugar Syrup Consistency: Ensure the sugar syrup reaches the correct consistency to coat the motichoor evenly and hold the ladoos together.
- Storage: Store Motichoor Ladoos in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for several days.
- Customization: Experiment with different garnishes such as edible silver leaf (varak) or dried rose petals for a decorative touch.
Motichoor Ladoo is often served at weddings, festivals, and religious celebrations as a festive sweet. As a symbol of love and good wishes, it is also popular for gifting and sharing with friends and family.
The sublime flavor and delicate texture of Motichoor Ladoo will bring joy and sweetness to any occasion. With every bite, savor the rich culinary heritage of India with this classic Indian dessert!
In Indian culture, motichoor ladoo is more than just a sweet; it is a symbol of celebration, happiness, and tradition. The delicate texture, aromatic flavors, and timeless appeal of Motichoor Ladoo continue to enchant generations. Enjoy the divine sweetness of Motichoor Ladoo and learn about the rich history of Indian sweets.