Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebrated festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesh, revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, prosperity, and fortune. This special occasion is marked by grandeur across India, where devotees establish idols of Lord Ganesh in their homes, temples, and public spaces. The festival lasts for ten days, filled with continuous offerings, prayers, and celebrations dedicated to Bappa (Lord Ganesh). Homes and community areas are elaborately decorated to welcome the deity.

The preparations for Bappa’s arrival usually begin a month in advance. People engage in cleaning and decorating their homes and public spaces in anticipation of the idol installation. During the ten days of festivities, an array of delicious offerings is made to Lord Ganesh, highlighting special treats such as modaks, laddus, and various sweets. One of the popular sweets that can be prepared at home is the Motichoor Ladoo, which is not only delicious but also easy to make.

Ingredients for Motichoor Ladoo

• Chickpea flour (Besan) – 1 cup
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Ghee (clarified butter) – 2-3 tablespoons
• Water – 1 cup
• Almonds and Pistachios – crushed
• Cardamom powder – 1 teaspoon
• Raisins – 10-12
• White sesame seeds – 2-3 tablespoons

Method to Prepare Motichoor Ladoo

To make Motichoor Ladoo, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Chickpea Flour

First, rinse the chickpea flour thoroughly and soak it in water for about 2-3 hours. After soaking, drain the water and grind it to a coarse paste using a grinder.

Step 2: Roast the Paste

In a pan, heat the ghee. Once hot, add the ground chickpea flour and roast it over low heat. Continue roasting until the mixture turns a golden brown color and releases a pleasant aroma.

Step 3: Prepare Sugar Syrup

In another saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Bring it to a boil to create a sugar syrup of one-string consistency. Once ready, pour the syrup over the roasted flour mixture and stir well.

Step 4: Cook the Mixture

Allow the mixture to cook on low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens to a dough-like consistency. Be careful not to let the mixture stick to the pan’s surface. Once done, transfer it to a plate to cool.

Step 5: Add Flavors and Shape the Laddus

Once cooled, add cardamom powder, crushed almonds, pistachios, and raisins to the mixture. Mix thoroughly. Grease your hands with a little ghee and take small portions of the mixture to shape into round laddus. For added texture, sprinkle white sesame seeds and extra crushed nuts on top of the laddus.

Step 6: Cooling and Serving

Let the prepared laddus cool for a while before serving. enjoy these delightful sweet treats as offerings to Bappa or share them with family and friends during the festive celebrations!

Making Motichoor Ladoos is not just a culinary task but a beautiful ritual that embodies love and devotion. By preparing these sweets at home, devotees can add a personal touch to their offerings, making the festival even more special. So roll up your sleeves and indulge in this delightful preparation for Ganesh Chaturthi!