Cardamom-Spiced Milk Ladoo

Small, chewy balls of milk and sugar, infused with cardamom and nuts, a classic Punjabi sweet.

Cuisine: Indian

Category: Desserts

Prep: 15 minutes. Cook: 30 minutes.

Serves 12.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Milk
• 1 cup Sugar
• 4 Cardamom pods
• 1/4 teaspoon Saffron strands
• 1/4 cup Almonds
• 2 tablespoons Ghee
• 1/4 cup All-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 480ml milk and 200g sugar over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes until milk reduces to a thick, creamy consistency that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
2. Step 2: Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cardamom (seeds from 4 pods), 1/4 teaspoon soaked saffron (with 1 tablespoon warm milk), and 30g finely chopped almonds. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture forms a ball when pressed with a spoon.
3. Step 3: Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes. Add 30g all-purpose flour and 2 tablespoons ghee, mixing well until smooth and pliable.
4. Step 4: Form into small balls about 1 inch in diameter using your hands. Roll each ball in additional chopped almonds if desired.
5. Step 5: Let set at room temperature for at least 1 hour before serving.