Easy Motichoor Laddu

Instructions

1. Prepare the sugar syrup: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, 5-6 crushed green cardamoms, 2-3 drops orange food color, and 1 tsp lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the syrup becomes slightly sticky, but not thick.
2. Prepare the batter: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup fine chickpea flour (besan) with a pinch of baking soda and ~¾ cup water. Whisk until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
3. Fry the boondis: Heat oil for frying in a deep pan over medium heat. Pour the prepared batter through a cheese grater (or a boondi ladle) into the hot oil to form small boondis. Fry until they are lightly golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil.
4. Combine with syrup: If any boondis are too large, lightly pulse them in a food processor. Add all the fried boondis into the prepared warm sugar syrup and mix well. Cook over low heat for a few minutes, allowing the boondis to absorb the syrup.
5. Shape the laddoos: Stir in 1 tsp butter and the pumpkin or melon seeds (for garnish) into the boondi mixture. Let the mixture cool down slightly until it's warm enough to handle. Once warm, take small portions and shape them into round laddoos.