Motichoor Laddu: From The Royal Kitchens To Every Modern Indian Household
One of India’s most popular sweets, Motichoor Laddu, is made with tiny gram flour balls fried in ghee and soaked in sugar syrup. The word ‘motichoor’ is derived from ‘moti’, which means pearl in Hindi, and ‘choor’, meaning crushed. Every time one goes to buy Motichoor laddu, they are mesmerised by the fragrance, texture and overall appeal of this sweet. But did you know where this sweet originated from? Let’s have a look.
When you buy Motichoor laddu, have you ever wondered where this delicious sweet came from? The origin of the Motichoor Laddu goes back to 16th-century Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is believed that the sweet originally came from the royal kitchens of Rajasthan and was served only to the royal family members during special occasions. It became popular throughout India over time and now has become an integral part of celebrations. Not only on festivals, but the sweet is also popular during weddings, where it is served to guests as a symbol of prosperity and good luck.
Motichoor laddu is commonly offered as prasad and is a favourite festive treat. Although it hails from the Northern region, it is devoured nationwide. These laddoos can be easily stored in torrid temperatures and do not spoil even after days. This Laddu has also found its mention in ancient and medieval texts of India’s Eastern and Southern regions. Ancient sculpted and painted figures of Lord Ganesha show him holding balls of Motichoor in one of his hands, as seen in the Lingaraja temple of Bhubaneswar.
Going further back to the history of laddoos in India, it is believed to be invented for medicinal purposes by Susruta, the father of Indian surgery and medicine. He created them in the 4th century BC to use them as an antiseptic for treating his surgical patients. He prepared them from sesame seeds, peanuts and jaggery, all of which have immense nutritional properties. From here, laddoos have evolved enormously and become associated with festive and happy occasions. The introduction of sugar syrup was a turning point for laddoos, leading to their enormous popularity.
It is also said that the traditional Boondi Laddu paved the way for Motichoor Laddu due to the popularity of sugar syrup. These laddoos were preferred due to their extra shelf life and could be carried over long distances. People in India commonly take Motichoor Laddu in their bags for long journeys or to visit friends and family. They have become an intrinsic part of the Indian household, with people just looking for a chance to binge on them.
How is it made?
Making Motichoor Laddu is an intricate process and requires patience and skills. The thick batter is first prepared using gram flour, then poured into a perforated ladle, locally called ‘jarrah’. This ladle is held over hot ghee, and the batter is allowed to fall through the perforation into the hot oil. These tiny droplets that fall from the ladle form small pearls once they enter the oil and are fried until golden brown. These pearls are soaked in sugar syrup to become soft and juicy for a few minutes. These pearls are then crushed together, forming a spherical shape, coated with a thin layer of edible silver foil.
Health Benefits Of Motichoor Laddu
While it is a sweet, delicious treat, it also offers some health benefits. The main ingredient of Motichoor Laddu, gram flour, is rich in protein and fibre and low in fat and calories. This makes it a nutritious option as compared to other sweets. Motichoor laddu is also rich in minerals and vitamins like magnesium, iron, and calcium. All of these are essential for maintaining good health. However, its high sugar content becomes a factor for its moderate consumption as excess consumption can cause weight gain and other health issues.
Gifting Motichoor Laddu
Motichoor Laddu is a common gift for weddings and festivals, usually packaged in beautiful boxes and decorated with ornaments. Many confectioners offer customised packaging options so customers can add their personal touch. These lads are considered a gesture of love, hospitality, and respect and are often shared during special occasions. It has become an essential part of Indian festival celebrations like Diwali and Raksha Bandhan, and its deliciousness and significance hold a special place in Indian culture. Its distribution during weddings is considered a sacred ritual, believed to bring happiness and joy to the couple.
Motichoor Laddu is also a thriving business in the country with many confectioners offering various flavours and variations like Kesar Motichoor Laddu, chocolate-coated Motichoor Laddu, coconut-flavoured Motichoor Laddo, etc. These variations provide a unique twist to the traditional sweet.
Final Thoughts
Motichoor Laddu is a symbol of tradition, celebration and culture in India. Since originating from the royal kitchens of the Mughal Emperors, it has become an integral part of every Indian household, especially during festive occasions and other celebrations. Every aspect of it reflects the rich cultural heritage of the country. It continues to be one of the most favourite sweet treats in India and will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of millions of people.
