Besan Horlicks Recipe – Authentic Indian Sweet with Ghee

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Besan Horlicks Recipe – Authentic Indian Sweet with Ghee

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s both comforting and packed with flavour, you’ve come to the right place. This Besan Horlicks recipe is a family favourite – I remember my grandmother making this for us during festivals, and the aroma of roasting besan always filled the house with warmth. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the combination of nutty besan and malty Horlicks is just divine. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another Indian sweet; it’s a little piece of nostalgia. It’s got a beautiful, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the ghee gives it a richness you just can’t beat. Plus, it’s relatively quick to whip up – perfect when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Besan Horlicks:

• ?? cup Besan / Gram Flour
• ?? cup Horlicks
• 1 cup Ghee / Clarified Butter
• 1 cup Sugar
• ?? cup Water

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting the right quality makes all the difference.

• Besan / Gram Flour: I prefer using a finely milled besan for a smoother texture. You can find good quality besan at any Indian grocery store. About 150 grams is a good starting point.
• Horlicks: This malted milk powder adds a lovely, unique flavour. It’s a classic ingredient in Indian sweets! Around 80-100 grams works well.
• Ghee / Clarified Butter: Don’t skimp on the ghee! It’s what gives this sweet its signature richness and flavour. Homemade ghee is amazing if you have the time, but good quality store-bought ghee works perfectly too. Different regions in India have preferences for the type of ghee – some like a stronger, more robust flavour, while others prefer a milder one.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is perfect.
• Water: Just regular water to make the sugar syrup. About ¾ cup should do the trick.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, we’re going to roast the besan. Take your besan and roast it on low flame in a heavy-bottomed pan. Keep stirring constantly to prevent burning! You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes fragrant – about 5-7 minutes.
2. Once roasted, let the besan cool slightly, then sieve it to remove any lumps. This ensures a smooth, silky texture.
3. Now, in a large bowl, combine the sieved besan, Horlicks, and ¾ cup of ghee. Mix well until you have a smooth paste. Don’t worry if it seems a little crumbly at first, just keep working it.
4. Time for the sugar syrup! In a separate pan, combine the sugar and water. Bring it to a boil and cook until you reach one-string consistency. (We’ll talk about how to check that in the FAQs!)
5. Carefully pour the hot sugar syrup into the besan-Horlicks mixture. It will bubble and steam, so be careful!
6. Now, add the remaining ¼ cup of ghee gradually, while stirring continuously. This is where the magic happens!
7. Keep cooking and stirring until the mixture starts to separate from the pan and becomes frothy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
8. Quickly pour the mixture into a greased tray (I use a square or rectangular tray). Spread it evenly.
9. Let it set for about 20 minutes before cutting it into squares. Once cooled completely, store it in the refrigerator.

Expert Tips

• Low and Slow: Roasting the besan on low heat is key to preventing it from burning and developing a bitter taste.
• Constant Stirring: Seriously, don’t stop stirring! Especially when roasting the besan and cooking the mixture with the ghee.
• One-String Consistency: This is crucial for the right texture. (Check the FAQs for a detailed explanation!)
• Grease Well: Make sure your tray is well-greased with ghee to prevent the sweet from sticking.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on things? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level: My friend loves adding a pinch of cardamom powder for a warm, aromatic flavour. You could also try a tiny bit of saffron!
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the ghee for a plant-based ghee alternative. It won’t have exactly the same flavour, but it’s a great option for those avoiding dairy.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, which is fantastic!
• Festival Adaptations: During Diwali, I like to add a few chopped nuts like pistachios and almonds for extra richness. For Holi, a touch of rose water adds a beautiful fragrance.

Serving Suggestions

This Besan Horlicks sweet is perfect on its own with a cup of chai. It’s also lovely served as part of a larger Indian sweets platter. My family loves it after a hearty meal!

Storage Instructions

Store the Besan Horlicks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house!

FAQs

1. What is the best type of besan to use for this recipe?

A finely milled besan is best for a smooth texture. Look for a good quality besan at your local Indian grocery store.

2. Can I use a different malted milk powder instead of Horlicks?

You can, but Horlicks has a unique flavour that really shines in this recipe. If you do substitute, choose a malted milk powder with a similar flavour profile.

3. How do I know when the sugar syrup has reached one-string consistency?

Take a small drop of the syrup between your thumb and forefinger. Gently pull them apart. If a single, stringy strand forms, it’s ready!

4. Why is ghee important in this recipe, and can I substitute it?

Ghee adds a richness and flavour that’s essential to this sweet. While you can substitute with oil, the flavour won’t be the same. Plant-based ghee is a good vegan alternative.

5. How long does this Besan Horlicks sweet stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to a week.

6. What is the ideal consistency of the final mixture before setting?

The mixture should be thick and start to pull away from the sides of the pan. It should also be frothy and slightly grainy.

Enjoy making this delicious Besan Horlicks recipe! I hope it brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!