Laddu (also Spelled Laddoo), a round, sweet ball, is probably the most universally popular Indian sweet and one of the most ancient. It is given as an offering to deities at Hindu temples and served at many Hindu festivals and ceremonies.

The basic version (besan laddu) is made with chickpea (gram) flour, sugar, clarified butter, and cardamom powder. The flour is fried in the butter before adding the sugar and cardamom; when the mixture cools, it is formed into round balls around 1½ inches in diameter. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.