Rava Laddoo

Cyd Converse

Rava Laddoo is a highly popular sweet dish in India which is quick and easy to make, but tastes wonderful.

If you are looking for a recipe for a sweet but unique treat, Rava Laddoo will quickly become one of your favorites!

These balls of goodness (also known as Suji Laddoo) are insanely aromatic and melt in your mouth as you eat them, with a bit of a crunch for an interesting texture.

Rava Laddoo Photo

In India, Rava refers to semolina and Laddoo (or laddu) translates to sweet balls. So it will come as no surprise to learn that these sweet balls are made from semolina, sugar, ghee, cashews and raisins.

When to eat Rava Laddoo

These tasty bites are wonderful at any time! But in India, Rava Laddoo is made during Indian festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Navaratri and Sankranti.

Rava Laddoo Picture

It is also common to present these sweet balls to others as gifts.

Variations

You will often find that, as with many Indian recipes, there are several ways you can make these.

If you are making them for someone who is vegan, for example, you can replace the milk with coconut oil. 

Some recipes call for cardamom powder or nutmeg powder, so you can add these in if you wish.

Other recipes include the addition of coconut. Should you wish to add coconut, use about 1/4 cup of desiccated coconut and add it in when the semolina has been cooking for about 5 minutes.

Rava Laddoo Image

Roasting the semolina

To make authentic Rava Laddoo, you will want to be sure you roast the semolina properly to avoid it tasting raw. It is also very important to use fine semolina rather than coarse, otherwise the texture will be significantly different and less enjoyable.

You can often find pre-roasted semolina which can save you time if you are in a rush or nervous about roasting the semolina yourself. 

If you decide to roast your own, it's important to avoid burning it, which will give it a bitter flavor. Instead, cook gently until it becomes golden in color. Use a heavy bottomed pan for this and stir the semolina constantly, over a low to medium heat.

The semolina will give off a lovely aroma as it cooks and should be ready in about 7-8 minutes. 

Rava Laddoo Pic

What if your Rava Laddoos won't bind?

Some people may find that they struggle to get their Rava Laddoos to bind properly. If this happens to you, don’t panic!

Instead, add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of melted ghee and try to roll them into balls. If you are reluctant to add more ghee, you can use milk instead.

You may be tempted to use butter instead of ghee, but we highly recommend using ghee for an authentic taste. In fact, ghee is a healthier alternative to butter and is ideal for those who struggle with dairy intolerances as it has lower levels of dairy proteins. 

In the unlikely even that you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge (this is because they are made with fresh milk). They will typically last about 5-7 days when stored properly. 

If you love Indian foods, why not try this keto Poori recipe too?

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Rava Laddoo

      12 Servings

Ingredients

  • 500 grams Fine Semolina
  • 6 tablespoons Ghee
  • 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 2 cups Milk
  • 1/2 cup Cashews, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Raisins

Directions

  1. Place a deep pan over medium heat and add in the ghee once hot. Melt the ghee and add in the cashews and raisins, frying for 2 - 3 minutes.
  2. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel.
  3. Add semolina to the ghee and mix well, stirring it often until it begins to show a light golden color and you can smell it cooking.
  4. Add in the sugar and mix well to combine.
  5. Gently and slowly add in the milk, stirring constantly to stop any lumps from forming. Cook until thickened and it is coming away from the sides of the pan.
  6. Add the cashews and raisins back in and mix well. Remove the heat and cool until it can be handled.
  7. Take a little of the mixture at a time and roll into balls the size of limes (Laddoos), ensuring they are smooth and firm. Transfer to a greased dish and leave to sit for about 30 minutes to firm up.
  8. You can now enjoy them or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

 

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Cuisine:
Indian
Category:
Cashews
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Related Recipes:
Indian Recipes, Cashew Recipes, Raisin Recipes, Dessert Recipes, Easy Dessert Recipes
Recipe Yields:
12 servings
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
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Published:
Author: Cyd Converse
Recipe Yields: 12 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutrition Facts

Servings Per Recipe 12

Amount Per Serving
Calories from Fat 79
Calories 348

% Daily Value*
15%
Total Fat 10g
24%
  Saturated Fat 5g
1%
Sodium 17mg
11%
Total Carbohydrate 33g
0%
  Dietary Fiber 0g
  Sugars 30g
5%
Protein 2g

* Percent Daily Value are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrition Facts are estimated based on ingredients and data provided by Fat Secret. Please consult a doctor if you have special dietary needs.

Cyd is a native of Upstate New York, born to a family of women who love to cook and host parties. She shares her love of all things food, home and entertaining on her blog, The Sweetest Occasion and on Instagram.

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