Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Besan Pedas Recipe – Authentic Indian Sweet with Coconut & Ghee

Introduction

Oh, Besan Pedas! These little melt-in-your-mouth sweets hold such a special place in my heart. I remember helping my nani (grandmother) make these during Diwali, the aroma of roasting besan filling the entire house. It’s a scent that instantly takes me back to childhood! This recipe is a slightly adapted version of hers, with a little extra coconut for that lovely texture. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and the result is a truly delightful Indian sweet that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Besan Pedas are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a little piece of Indian tradition. They’re perfect for festivals, celebrations, or just a cozy afternoon with a cup of chai. Here’s why you’ll adore them:

• Authentic Flavor: This recipe captures the classic taste of traditional Besan Pedas.
• Easy to Make: Despite their elegant appearance, they’re surprisingly simple to prepare.
• Rich & Delicious: The combination of besan, ghee, coconut, and milk creates a truly decadent experience.
• Perfect Gift: Homemade pedas are a thoughtful and cherished gift for friends and family.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Besan Pedas:

• ?? cup Ghee (approximately 150g)
• 1 cup Besan / Gram Flour (approximately 100g)
• ?? cup Milk Powder (approximately 60g)
• ?? cup Coconut, grated (approximately 40g)
• 1 cup Milk (240ml)
• ?? cup Sugar (approximately 80g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will make all the difference.

Besan (Gram Flour): Types and Quality

There are different types of besan available. For pedas, I recommend using a fine-grained besan for a smoother texture. Avoid besan that smells stale or has a greyish tinge. A good quality besan will have a vibrant yellow color.

Ghee: The Importance of Clarified Butter in Indian Sweets

Ghee is essential in Indian sweets. It adds a unique richness and aroma that butter simply can’t replicate. Using good quality ghee really elevates the flavor. You can make your own ghee at home, or buy it pre-made.

Milk Powder: Full Fat vs. Low Fat Options

Full-fat milk powder will give you a richer, more flavorful peda. However, you can use low-fat milk powder if you prefer. Just be aware that the texture might be slightly different.

Coconut: Fresh vs. Dried – Which to Use?

I prefer using fresh grated coconut for the best flavor. But if fresh isn’t available, unsweetened dried coconut works perfectly well. If using dried coconut, you might want to add a tablespoon of milk to the mixture to compensate for the lack of moisture.

Regional Variations in Besan Pedas

Besan pedas aren’t made the same way everywhere in India! Some regions add cardamom, saffron, or even nuts like pistachios and almonds. My friend’s mother, from Gujarat, always adds a pinch of nutmeg – it’s delicious! Feel free to experiment and find what you like best.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Roast the Besan: Heat ?? cup ghee in a kadai (wok) or a heavy-bottomed pan over low heat. Add 1 cup besan and roast it slowly for about 15 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent burning. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes fragrant and slightly warm to the touch.
2. Golden Brown Perfection: Add 1 tsp extra ghee and continue roasting until the besan turns a beautiful golden brown color and starts releasing oil. This is a crucial step – don’t rush it!
3. Coconut & Milk Powder Magic: Mix in ?? cup milk powder and ?? cup grated coconut. Roast for another 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
4. Milk Time: Pour in 1 cup milk and stir constantly. The mixture will seem loose at first, but keep stirring! It will gradually thicken.
5. Sweeten It Up: Add ?? cup sugar and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture starts to hold shape and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
6. Glossy Finish & Shaping: Add 1 tsp ghee for a lovely glossy finish. Once the mixture is warm enough to handle, shape it into pedas using a mould or your hands.
7. Chill & Enjoy: Refrigerate the pedas for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with chopped nuts if desired.

Expert Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect Besan Pedas:

Achieving the Perfect Texture

The key to a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture is to roast the besan properly and not overcook the mixture with the milk and sugar.

Preventing Pedas from Cracking

If your pedas are cracking, it could be because the mixture is too dry. Add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches the right consistency.

Roasting Besan to Perfection

Low and slow is the way to go! Roasting the besan on low heat ensures it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn. Constant stirring is also key.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Besan Pedas

Substitute the ghee with a vegan butter alternative and the milk and milk powder with plant-based alternatives like almond or soy milk and plant-based milk powder.

Gluten-Free Considerations

Besan is naturally gluten-free, but always check the packaging to ensure it hasn’t been processed in a facility that also handles gluten-containing ingredients.

Adjusting the Sweetness Level

Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet peda, start with ?? cup and add more to taste.

Festival Adaptations (Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi)

During Diwali, I love adding a pinch of saffron to the pedas for a beautiful color and aroma. For Ganesh Chaturthi, you can shape the pedas into small modaks (dumplings).

Serving Suggestions

Besan Pedas are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with:

• A warm cup of chai
• A glass of cold milk
• A sprinkle of chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds, cashews)

Storage Instructions

Store Besan Pedas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What is the best type of besan to use for pedas?

A fine-grained besan is best for a smooth texture.

Can I make besan pedas without a mould?

Absolutely! You can simply shape them into small rounds with your hands.

How do I know when the besan is roasted enough?

It will become fragrant, slightly warm, and change to a light golden color.

Can I add cardamom or other flavorings to this recipe?

Yes, definitely! A pinch of cardamom, nutmeg, or saffron would be lovely.

How long do besan pedas stay fresh?

They stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, or a week in the refrigerator.