Step 1

Please note that before you start it's important to have the right equipment to make the perfect motichoor ladoo. A motichoor ladoo jhara with the smallest opening (number 0 or is what you need. If you use a ladle with bigger holes or any other ladle, then the boondis will be large in size and it won't be motichoor ladoo. It would simply be boondi ladoo. You need very tiny boondis for this ladoo and for that you need that jhara.

Step 2

To a large bowl add besan and food color (I used orange food color). Then add little ghee and mix.

Step 3

Start adding water. Add around 1/2 cup (120 ml) to first form a thick batter without lumps. Then add 3 tablespoons (45 ml) water and mix well. Let the batter sit for 15 minutes.

Step 4

Then add remaining 3 tablespoons (45 ml) water and mix. So the total that I used in this batter was 120 ml + 45 ml +45 ml = 210 ml.Batter should be very thin and flowing consistency without any lumps.

Step 5

Heat ghee in a kadai on medium-high heat.

Step 6

Hold the jhara 3-4 inches above the oil. I use a canister and then place the jhara on top to give it support (see pictures above).It also helps to have the support when you shake the jhara vigorously after pouring the batter. The handle of the jhara should be placed on the canister.

Step 7

Fill a ladle with the batter, my ladle was big so I have filled it only half here.

Step 8

Once ghee is hot, start pouring the batter through the jhara. Ask someone to help you.

Step 9

They should pour the batter on jhara and you should move it up and down quickly (with the handle of the jhara placed on canister) to drop all batter in hot ghee in the kadai. Please see pictures above for reference.

Step 10

Let the tiny boondis cook in hot ghee for 30 to 40 seconds only, color should not change.

Step 11

Remove fried boondi in a large sieve. Repeat until all tiny boondis are fried and batter is over. Remember to completely wipe clean the jhara with a wet cloth between frying each batch else the boondis can clump up. Set aside.

Step 12

To make the syrup, to a large kadai, add sugar and water. Add cardamom powder, kewra water (or rose water).Also add lemon juice and food color, if using.

Step 13

Let the sugar dissolve and mixture come to a boil.

Step 14

As soon as the mixture comes to a boil, turn off the heat and add the fried boondi to the pan. Stir and then turn on the heat again with heat set to lowest setting.

Step 15

Cook on lowest heat for around 3 minutes, stirring continuously. You don't want to dry the boondi but the excess sugar syrup should become less. It takes around 2 to 3 minutes.Don't overcook it else the boondi will dry out and won't be soft from inside.

Step 16

Remove on a plate and let cool completely. You can add melon seeds now. I didn't have any.

Step 17

Once the mixture has cooled down, take a small portion of the boondi mixture and roll between your palms to make motichoor ladoo. Repeat with the remaining boondi.

Step 18

You would get around 12 to 15 ladoos from this.Enjoy these Motichoor Ladoo as a special treat!