Rava Laddoo, also known as Suji or Sooji Laddoo, is a popular Indian sweet that is often prepared during festivals and special occasions. This delicious and aromatic dessert is made from semolina (rava), ghee, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and nuts. It’s not only easy to make but also loved by all age groups. Here’s a detailed recipe to help you make these delightful laddoos at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Rava (semolina)
- 3/4 cup Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup Ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 cup Fresh grated coconut (optional)
- 1/4 cup Milk (optional, for binding)
- 1/4 cup Mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, and raisins)
- 1/2 teaspoon Cardamom powder
- A pinch of Saffron strands (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Ghee (for roasting nuts)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparation
- Roast the Rava:
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai on medium heat.
- Add 1 cup of rava and dry roast it until it turns light golden and emits a nice aroma. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to stir continuously to avoid burning.
- Once roasted, transfer the rava to a plate and let it cool completely.
- Roast the Nuts:
- In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of ghee.
- Add the mixed nuts and roast them until they turn golden brown.
- Add the raisins at the end and roast until they puff up.
- Remove the nuts and raisins from the pan and set them aside.
Step 2: Mixing
- Blend the Sugar:
- In a blender, grind the sugar to a fine powder.
- You can also add the cardamom pods to the blender to make cardamom-flavored powdered sugar.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the roasted rava, powdered sugar, and cardamom powder.
- Add the grated coconut if you are using it.
- Mix everything thoroughly.
- Add Ghee:
- Heat the 1/4 cup of ghee until it’s melted.
- Gradually add the warm ghee to the rava mixture and mix well.
- The mixture should be moist and come together when pressed. If it’s too dry, you can add a little warm milk to help bind the mixture.
- Add Nuts:
- Add the roasted nuts and raisins to the mixture.
- Mix well to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Shaping the Laddoos
- Form the Laddoos:
- While the mixture is still warm, take small portions of it and shape them into round balls (laddoos).
- If the mixture is too dry to form laddoos, add a few teaspoons of warm milk until it reaches the right consistency.
- Let Them Set:
- Place the laddoos on a plate and let them set for at least 30 minutes.
- Once they are set, they will hold their shape well.
Tips for Perfect Rava Laddoos
- Roasting the Rava: Ensure you roast the rava on medium heat and stir continuously to avoid burning. The key to perfect laddoos is well-roasted rava.
- Binding: If the mixture feels too dry, add a little warm milk or more ghee to help bind the laddoos.
- Flavor Enhancements: You can add a pinch of saffron strands soaked in warm milk to the mixture for an extra layer of flavor and color.
- Storage: Store the laddoos in an airtight container. They can stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature.
Conclusion
Rava Laddoo is a simple yet delightful sweet treat that is perfect for any festive occasion or just to satisfy your sweet cravings. With its rich flavor and melt-in-the-mouth texture, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious laddoos!
Happy Cooking!
