Last Updated on June 4, 2015 by Chef Mireille
Rava Ladoo is a traditional Indian sweet that is quick and easy to make. A delicious dessert for any time, but especially during the Diwali season, to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
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What is a ladoo?
A ladoo is basically a sweet ball of goodness. It can be made with just about any combination of grains, lentils, fruits and/or nuts. Yes I said lentils.
In Indian cuisine, it is common to include yellow split peas, aka chana dal, and other lentils in these sweet balls.
There are many varieties of ladoos – no cook versions, fried versions, steamed versions and some that require minimal cooking. Most often, they are very quick and easy to put together as is these Rava Ladoo.
What is rava?
Rava is semolina, what in America is more commonly sold as cream of wheat breakfast cereal. It is commonly used in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine to make a variety of both savory and sweet delicacies.
If you purchase the semolina at an Indian or Middle Eastern market, you will find several varieties of rava/semolina. There will be coarse, medium, fine, extra fine.
I use the fine semolina for these rava ladoo, which is the most similar to Cream of Wheat, which will be more readily available to you at your local supermarket.
Tips & Substitutions
- Cashews is most traditional to use, however, I have an allergy to most tree nuts. Pistacchios are the one exception. You can easily replace the pistacchios with cashews or almonds.
- Use fine semolina or cream of wheat breakfast cereal.
- While making the ladoos, wet your hands a little so they do not stick to your hands while forming them.
Sweet and delicious, this is a perfect snack with Masala Chai.
Rava Ladoo
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 1/2 teaspoon of the ghee in a skillet and lightly fry the pistacchios for a minute until they become fragrant.
- Heat the rest of the ghee in a saucepan and fry the semolina on a low flame until it turns light brown.
- Add sugar and milk.
- Turn off the flame and mix until the mixture starts to stick together.
- Using a rubber spatula, fold in nuts and raisins.
- As soon as it is cool enough to handle, form into little balls.
- If they start to become difficult to stick together, wet your hands a little.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
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nice recipe and looks delicious….I usually make with sugar syrup and have not tried adding milk..
My favourite anytime.
Rava ladoo looks very delicious.
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Mireille…whenevr u post something Indian I get an automatic smile on my face:))..really..!!..incredible!..SUPER…fantastic ladoos.
there are some more coming up next week and next month BM also..I'm trying quite a few new ones
How wonderful that you made those tempting Rava laddo!..they look really very well done..
Rava ladoo came out perfect! Loved all your re-posts Mireille
Looks yummy and it is one of the easy desserts to make.
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Wow Mireille hatsoff to you they looks fantastic..
Beautiful Mireille..They have come out so good & delicious!!
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I just love this and very easy to make….Looks yummy!!!!
This is one of my favorite sweets. Thanks for posting and reminding me that I haven't eaten them recently. I need to make some tomorrow for my kids. 🙂
These ladoos are really bringing a smile on my face. Reason no.1 is that this is an Indian recipe and I think its great that its coming out of an American Kitchen. Reason no.2 is that I am an Indian and I have never made this :D, though I dig in whenever my MIL makes these! Absolutely great job Mireille!
Perfect globes! Rava Ladoo has turned out wonderful!
One of the favored sweets at home..quick, easy and yummy too!
Rawa ladoos are tempting..droolworthy !
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Congratulations Mireille on your first attempt in Indian sweets. The ladoos have come out so well and reminds me of my grandmother who makes it best. Love the color and the perfect round shape. Kudos for a job very well done!!!
Perfectly made rava laddoos. They make a great festive sweet. Easy to make and also share them with friends.
yes they make the perfect edible gift.
These rava ladoos remind me of India where my aunt makes them so well. You have mastered the art of making rava ladoos too!! I have not attempted them as yet.
You have to make them soon. They are so delicious!
Rava ladoos looks incredible. It is one of quick and addictive sweet. You are such a pro in making this ladoos .
Thank you for the compliment. One of the easiest and most delicious Indian snacks