Ram Ladoo Recipe

Ram Ladoo – Delhi’s Famous Moong Dal Street Food

Anjali Raj SinghRecipe Author
Ingredients
4
Person(s)
  • 1 Cup
    Lentil (Moong Dal)
  • Lentil (Chana Dal)
  • Green Chutney

Ingredient Tips

  • Soak lentils well:  Moong dal and chana dal are soaked for 6-8 hours to make the batter a little lighter and make it more easily digestible. It makes lentils softer, so they grind well and make the fritters comfortably fluffy from the inside and crisp on the outside
  • Grind Coarse: Batter should be a little coarse as it creates the authentic Ram Ladoo mouthfeel as well as helps in making crispy fritters. The coarse texture also gives a nice bite to the snack, in addition to avoiding the fritters from becoming too dense/ doughy after frying
Directions
  • What is Ram Ladoo?

    Ram Ladoo is one of the most classic English-established roadside specialities sold in Delhi. Ram Ladoo are deep-fried lentil fritters made by using moong dal and chana dal.  Ram Ladoo is neither sweet nor similar to laddoo.  Freshly grated radish and green chutney are served as accompaniment with Ram Ladoo

    Located across Delhi in markets,  on food streets and even roadside stalls, Ram Ladoo is loved for its crunchiness,  simplicity and the fresh toppings used

  • Regional Variations of Ram Ladoo
    Regional Variations of Ram Ladoo

    Delhi Street-Style Ram Ladoo

    The most authentic and famous version is in the markets of Chandni Chowk, Lajpat Nagar and Sarojini Nagar.

    Taste Profile

    Crispy,  Zesty,  Slightly Spicy

    Why It Is Popular

    The mixture of hot lentil fritters and cool grated radish produces an unusual contrast of texture and flavours. Its moderate price, combined with quick preparation time, has turned this into a street snack enjoyed for centuries.

    Nutritional Highlights

    Good plant protein

    Moderate fibre

    Filling snack option

    Uttar Pradesh Style Ram Ladoo

    A variation found often in western Uttar Pradesh, mildly spiced,  with a touch more chutney.

    Taste Profile

    Hot,  sour,  and salty.

     Why It Is Popular

    The additional spices blend well and add a richer taste to the traditional lentil-based puree.

    Nutritional Highlights

    Protein-rich lentils

    Digestive spices

    Sustained energy

    Punjabi Ram Ladoo 

    A heartier one was also available with additional chutneys and side garnishes.

    Taste Profile

    Tangy,  hot,  full of flavour

    Why It Is Popular

    The generous toppings and intense flavours will appeal to Punjabi street food lovers as they like tasty and filling foods.

    Nutritional Highlights

    Additional vegetables

    Good fibre content

    Protein-rich snack

    Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

    Nutritional Value

    Calories: 220–300 kcal

    Protein: 8–10 g

    Carbohydrates: 25–30 g

    Fat: 8–12 g

    Fibre: 5–7 g

    Iron: 2–3 mg

       

  • Basic Ingredients Used

    Moong Dal

    1 cup soaked

    Nutritional Value (100g)

    Calories: 347 kcal

    Protein: 24 g

    Fibre: 16 g

    Nutritional Benefits

    Rich plant protein

    High fibre content

    Sustained energy source

    Chana Dal

    Nutritional Benefits

    Additional protein

    Fibre-rich

    Improves texture

    Radish (Mooli)

    Nutritional Benefits

    Low calorie

    Rich in fibre

    Refreshing flavour

    Green Chutney

    Nutritional Benefits

    Vitamin C

    Antioxidants

    Digestive support

  • Ingredient Tips

    Soak lentils well:  Moong dal and chana dal are soaked for 6-8 hours to make the batter a little lighter and make it more easily digestible. It makes lentils softer, so they grind well and make the fritters comfortably fluffy from the inside and crisp on the outside

    Grind Coarse: Batter should be a little coarse as it creates the authentic Ram Ladoo mouthfeel as well as helps in making crispy fritters. The coarse texture also gives a nice bite to the snack, in addition to avoiding the fritters from becoming too dense/ doughy after frying

  • How to Make Ram Ladoo

    Soak the Lentils

    Soak Dal

    Soak the moong dal and chana dal as directed for 4–6 hours. The initial soaking will also help to soften the lentils so that they are easier to grind into a fine batter and will result in a lighter, crispier and tastier Ram Ladoo after frying.

    Nutritional Benefits

    Easier digestion

    Better texture

    Improved nutrient absorption

    Prepare the Batter

    Prepare Batter

    Grind the soaked lentils to a thick batter, add salt,  spices and beat the batter for 2-3 minutes in order to bring air into it. This would help to produce a lighter and softer texture.

    Nutritional Benefits

    Protein-rich base

    Fibre source

    Filling ingredient

    Fry the Ram Ladoo

    Fry Ram Ladoo

    Drop small quantities into hot oil and fry until crispy and golden brown.  Cook Ram Ladoo on a medium heat so that they are cooked through (inner) and crispy all over.

    Nutritional Benefits

    Crisp texture

    Satisfying snack

    Prepare the Garnish 

    Garnish Ram Ladoo

    Grate the fresh radish and chop the coriander leaves. The fresh toppings give just the right amount of crunch and fresh flavour to contrast the crisp Ram Ladoo.

     

    Nutritional Benefits

    Additional fibre

    Vitamins

    Fresh flavour

    Serve with Chutney

    Serve with Chutney

    Sprinkle more radish and green chutney over the top. The radish, still crisp, adds a fresh,  raw bite while the chutney adds a little spicy zing and hot tang that marry well with the hot, crispy Ram Ladoo.  Top with a little sprinkle of chaat masala and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

    Nutritional Benefits

    Enhanced flavour

    Added nutrients

    Improved presentation

  • Why You'll Love This Recipe

    .Rich Ram Ladoo is just the right combination of crisp fritters,  fresh veg and spicy, zingy chutney.  Cheap,  easy and full of the real Delhi street-food feel.in plant protein

    Nutritional Advantages

    Good fibre content

    Filling snack

     

    Vegetarian-friendly

  • Serving Suggestions

    Green Chutney: Chutney provides a herby,  fresh flavour which makes the crunchy and crunchy like Ram Ladoo even more delicious and flavorful. The spicy,  tangy taste of Green Chutney makes each bite of the snack even more refreshing

    Grated Radish: Raw radish is a fantastic addition as it adds some crunch and rubs wonderfully against the soft and delicious lentil rissoles.  The mild peppery flavour also freshens the dish up and cuts through the richness

    Chaat Masala:  A pinch of chaat masala is enough to make the flavour zing with its succulent, salty,  tangy and slightly spicy quality. It is the trademark of taste and aroma in Ram Ladoo street food

    Lemon Wedges. The fresh lemon juice will give a lively, fresh citrus zing to brighten the dish. The acidic tang will counteract the spices and boost the taste

  • Expert Tips

    Whisk the Batter: Thoroughly. Whisking of batter gives light and fluffy Ram Ladoos.  When you whisk well,  air will be incorporated into the mixture. So the Ram Ladoos will be soft from inside and crispy from outside once fried

    Fry on medium heat: Medium heat is best for the frying process: by being quick but not too hot, the fritters are cooked throughout without being too oily.  If you go too fast on a high heat, then the centre will be undercooked and the outside overcooked

    Use fresh radish: Newly grated radish provides the true crunch and taste.  The natural sweetness of the radish offers a contrast to the hot,  crisp lentil fritters

    Serve right away:  Ram Ladoo should be consumed hot or fresh out of the fryer.  Eating it immediately ensures that the crisp ‘crunchiness’ remains and that the chutney and radishes added on top of it work harmoniously

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q.Is Ram Ladoo healthy?

    Yes.  Protein and Fibre lentils are healthier as a snack than a lot of fried varieties if eaten in moderation.

    Q.Can I air-fry Ram Ladoo?

    Yes.  All air fryers can reduce fat intake, even though they give crispy skin.

    Q.Why is Delhi Ram Ladoo unique?

    The crispy lentil fritters, grated radish, and spicy green chutney all blend to make a richly flavoured, textural experience that is quite Delhi.

The Ram Ladoo is one of the most underrated Delhi street-food treats. The use of basic ingredients, nutrient-rich lentil base, fresh radish topping and addictive chutney flavours makes it a truly unforgettable snack. Whether eaten from one of Delhi‘s many busy food stalls or made in the home, Ram Ladoo is a street-food classic