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Rava laddus arranged on a plate, garnished with raisins

Rava Laddu Recipe (Sooji Laddu)

Rava Laddu (Sooji Laddu) is a quick and delicious Indian sweet made with semolina, ghee, sugar, and cardamom. This 30-minute dessert is perfect for festivals. With its rich aroma, melt-in-the-mouth texture, and crunchy nuts, this homemade laddu is a must-try treat for any occasion! 🎉
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Indian
Servings 10 Laddus
Calories 125 kcal

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Bowl
  • Plate or tray

Ingredients
 

For the Laddu:

  • 3 tbsp Ghee Use fresh ghee for rich flavor and aroma
  • 1 tbsp Cashews Chopped for a crunch in every bite
  • 1 tbsp Raisins To add sweetness and texture
  • ½ cup Grated Coconut (optional) Adds a rich flavor but can be skipped if you prefer
  • 1 cup Semolina (Rava/Sooji) Coarse or fine variety works, but roasting it well is essential

For the Sugar Syrup:

  • ¾ cup Sugar Adjust the sweetness based on your preference
  • 1/3 cup Water Helps dissolve the sugar and bind the mixture
  • 1 tsp Cardamom Powder Adds a fragrant touch that enhances the laddus

Instructions
 

Roasting the Ingredients

  • Heat 3 tbsp of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan.
    Tip: Using a heavy-bottomed pan ensures even roasting of the semolina, preventing it from burning.
    3 tbsp Ghee
  • Add 1 tbsp chopped cashews and 1 tbsp of raisins, sauté until golden brown (approx. 30 sec)
    1 tbsp Cashews
  • Add 1/2 cup of grated coconut (if using) and lightly roast for 1 minute until fragrant.
    ½ cup Grated Coconut
  • Now, add 1 cup of semolina (rava) and roast on low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring continuously until it becomes golden and fragrant. This step is crucial to ensure the semolina is well-roasted and doesn’t have a raw taste in the final laddus.
    Tip: Keep stirring the semolina to avoid uneven cooking. The semolina will turn slightly darker and release a nutty aroma when roasted properly.
    1 cup Semolina

Preparing the Sugar Syrup

  • In another pan, combine 3/4 cup sugar with 1/3 cup water. Add 1 tsp cardamom powder and bring it to a boil until it reaches a sticky, single-thread consistency. This should take around 4-5 minutes. To check, take a small drop of syrup between your fingers, and when it forms a thin, sticky thread, it's ready.
    Tip: Avoid overcooking the syrup, as it can harden the laddus. If undercooked, the laddus won’t bind properly.
    ¾ cup Sugar, 1/3 cup Water

Combining the Ingredients

  • Slowly pour the sugar syrup into the roasted semolina mixture. Stir continuously to ensure the syrup is well incorporated into the semolina.
    Tip: Stirring constantly is key to avoid any lumps from forming. If lumps do form, use the back of a spoon to gently break them apart while mixing.

Shaping the Laddus

  • Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly until it’s warm but manageable. The mixture should be moist and easy to shape. (approximately 5 to 10 minutes)
  • Grease your palms with a little ghee and start shaping the mixture into small round laddus. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a few drops of warm milk to help with binding.
    Tip: Make sure to shape the laddus while the mixture is still warm, as it becomes harder to form them once the mixture cools completely.

Storing the Laddus

  • Once shaped, let the laddus cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week.
    Tip: If you’ve added milk during shaping, store the laddus in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life.

Video

Notes

    • Perfect Roasting: Be patient while roasting the semolina. It’s essential to roast it well to avoid a raw taste in the laddus.
    • Sugar Syrup Consistency: Achieving the right consistency for the sugar syrup is key. Too thick, and the laddus will harden; too thin, and they won’t bind properly.
    • Vegan Option: You can replace ghee with coconut oil or any other plant-based fat for a vegan-friendly version of this recipe.
    • Storing: Laddus made without milk will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. If you add milk, refrigerate the laddus and consume them within 3-4 days.
    For more traditional Indian sweets and festive recipes, check out our Cooking Mate's YouTube Channel and make sure to subscribe to never miss a new recipe!

Nutrition

Calories: 125kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 5mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 50IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg
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