Rava Laddu

Rava Ladu or Semolina Laddus is a traditional maharashtrian recipe which can be made in many different ways, but the basic two recipes include 'Paakatle Ladu' (Laddus cooked in Sugar Syrup) and 'Baithe Ladu' (Made with Sugar powder). I have also added freshly grated coconut as an additional ingredient. This is my first Diwali Faral recipe for the year 2014.

Approx. Time: 1 & 1/2 hour
Approx. Yield: 25 Laddus

Ingredients:
For Laddus
4 cups Fine Rava (Fine Semolina)
1 and 1/2 cup Ghee 
1 and 1/2 cup Fresh Grated Coconut
3-4 tbspns Raisins

For Sugar Syrup:
3 and 1/2 cups Sugar
1 & 1/2 cups Water
1 tspn Cardamom powder
3 tbspns Almonds & Pistachio Flakes

Method:
For Sugar Syrup:

Take 3 & 1/2 cups sugar in a pan. Add 1 and 1/2 cups of water in it. Heat it on medium flame till it gets single string consistency. To check whether the Sugar Syrup has reached single  thread consistency, take a drop of Sugar Syrup between thumb and forefinger. When separated, you will find a single thread between thumb and forefinger. This indicates that Sugar Syurp of Single Thread Consistency is ready. (If you are planning to add Mava or Khoa, you may further cook it till you get multiple thread consistency). Add Cardamom Powder and Almonds and Pistachio Flakes to the Syrup.

For Laddus:

Mix the Ghee and Semolina in a pan.  Roast Ghee and Semolina mixture on low flame till it slightly changes its colour. This process takes approx. 45 minutes. When the Semolina starts releasing aroma add grated coconut to the mixture and saute it for further 10 minutes. Then pour Sugar Syrup into the mixture. Turn off the flame and add some raisins also. Allow the mixture to cool. It will take approx half an hour for cooling. After cooling make medium size balls. These Laddus can be stored for 8-10 days outside refrigerator.

Notes: 

1. You may also add Mava (Khoa) to the mixture, however in that case the Sugar Syrup should be cooked till multiple thread consistency.

2. Please ensure not to overcook the Sugar Syrup as it may lead to drying of the mixture after cooling. In case the mixture is dried, then make some additional Sugar Syrup with equal portion of Sugar and Water and pour it on the mixture.

Pictorial:

Sending this entry to the event Dish it Out - Diwali Bash