Rava Ladoo

As the festive season nears, laddoos, chivdas, chaklis make their appearance. I made these last year during Ganesh Chaturthi and they were an absolute hit. These are very easy to make and the end result leaves everybody gobsmacked and happy! These are very popular in Maharashtra and every household makes these in Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali. Sugary, melt-in-the-mouth with crunch of cashews and little bursts of raisiny sweetness while chewing.

Semolina should be roasted on very low flame till it changes colour to a pale pale pink colour. If the semolina is not roasted enough, it will stick to your palate while eating. That is a tip to check doneness of semolina in this dish.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups Semolina (Rava)

1/2 cup grated coconut 

3/4 cup Sugar (measured then powdered)

2 tablespoons Ghee

1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

10 pieces cashew nuts

12-14 pieces raisins

2-3 tablespoons milk 

Heat the ghee in a large heavy bottomed wok. Add the cashew pieces till they are golden in color. Drain and keep aside. Next fry the raisins till they puff up. Remove at once and drain. In the remaining ghee add the semolina and roast slowly on low heat for 10-12 minutes. Next add the grated coconut, nuts, sugar and cardamom powder. Roast for 2-3 minutes. Next add the milk and mix well. Remove from heat. Now add the cashew nuts and raisins and mix. Let it cool a little and then form one inch balls by pressing tightly.

Store in an air tight container and enjoy them!