Rava Ladoo, also known as Semolina Ladoo, is a popular Indian sweet made with semolina (rava), sugar, ghee, and flavored with cardamom and nuts. It's a delicious and easy-to-make treat that's perfect for festivals, celebrations, or as a sweet snack. Here's a simple recipe to make Rava Ladoo at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fine semolina (rava)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
- Raisins for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Add the semolina (rava) to the pan.
2. Dry roast the semolina, stirring continuously, until it turns golden brown and aromatic. This may take about 7-8 minutes. Be careful not to burn the semolina.
3. Once the semolina is roasted, transfer it to a plate and allow it to cool slightly.
4. In the same pan, heat the ghee over low heat until it melts.
5. Add the chopped nuts to the melted ghee and fry them until they turn golden brown. Keep stirring to ensure even browning.
6. Once the nuts are roasted, remove them from the ghee using a slotted spoon and set them aside.
7. In the same pan with the remaining ghee, add the roasted semolina back to the pan.
8. Stir in the powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands (if using). Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
9. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously, for 3-4 minutes until everything is well combined and the sugar is melted.
10. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly until it is warm enough to handle.
11. While the mixture is still warm, shape it into small round balls (ladoos) using your hands. If the mixture is too hot to handle, you can grease your palms with a little ghee to prevent sticking.
12. Press a few raisins into the center of each ladoo for garnish, if desired.
13. Repeat the process with the remaining mixture to make all the Rava Ladoos.
14. Allow the Rava Ladoos to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Enjoy the delicious homemade Rava Ladoos as a sweet treat or as a festive dessert!
