Hey, Lykkers! Rava Laddu, also known as Suji Laddu, is a traditional Indian sweet made with semolina (rava or suji), sugar, ghee, and a few flavorful ingredients.

This quick and easy dessert is perfect for festivals like Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, and other special celebrations. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor make it a favorite among people of all ages.

Ingredients for Rava Laddu

To make around 12-15 laddus, you'll need:

1 cup semolina (rava or suji)

3/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)

1/4 cup grated coconut (optional)

2 tablespoons cashews

2 tablespoons raisins

1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

1/4 cup warm milk (for binding)

Steps to Prepare Rava Laddu

1. Roast the semolina: Start by heating a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the semolina and dry roast it, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Roast until the semolina turns light golden and emits a nutty aroma. This process typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, set it aside to cool.

2. Roast the dry fruits: In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee and fry the cashews and raisins until the cashews turn golden brown, and the raisins swell up. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Add coconut (optional): If you're using grated coconut, lightly roast it in the same pan with a bit of ghee for 1-2 minutes until it turns light brown. Adding coconut enhances the texture and flavor of the laddus.

4. Prepare the sugar mixture: Blend the sugar in a blender or food processor to get a fine powder. You can also add cardamom pods with the sugar for a more fragrant aroma.

5. Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted semolina, powdered sugar, cardamom powder, fried cashews, raisins, and coconut (if using). Mix well.

6. Bind the laddus: Heat the remaining ghee and pour it over the mixture. Add warm milk little by little to the mixture to help bind the laddus. The mixture should be moist enough to shape into balls, but not too wet.

7. Shape the laddus: Grease your palms with a bit of ghee and take small portions of the mixture. Shape them into round laddus. If the mixture is too dry, you can add a little more warm milk.

Tips for Making Perfect Rava Laddus

Roasting the semolina: Ensure you roast the semolina well, as under-roasted semolina can lead to a raw taste in the laddus.

Binding the mixture: The amount of milk required can vary, so add it slowly until the mixture holds together.

Serving and storing: Rava laddus can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. These sweet treats make a perfect gift during festivals or can be enjoyed as an everyday snack.

Rava Laddu is a simple yet incredibly delicious sweet that brings a burst of flavor and nostalgia with every bite. Whether you're preparing it for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds. Try making Rava Laddus at home and enjoy the rich, buttery goodness that's loved across India!