10 Holi Special Dishes for a Colorful Feast

9. Besan Ladoo — Simple chickpea-sweet that travels well

Besan ladoo is the kind of sweet your dadi might have kept in a tin: shelf-stable, fragrant, and easy to portion for guests. Made from roasted gram flour (besan), ghee, and sugar, these golden balls pick up flavor from cardamom and chopped nuts. The most important step is roasting the besan until it turns nutty and aromatic but not burnt; that technique transforms the ladoo’s flavor. For a US twist, use neutral oil if you need a dairy-free version and add roasted coconut flakes for texture. Besan ladoos are a great make-ahead item — make them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Because they travel so well, ladoos are a popular choice for sharing with neighbors and guests during Holi.