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Maladu | Maa laddu | Maa ladoo | pottukadalai urumdai | odachakadalai urundai | odachaladala laddu | maladu recipe | how to make Maladdu, also known as Pottukadalai Urundai or Maa Laddu, is a beloved South Indian sweet made from roasted gram flour, sugar, and ghee. This melt-in-the-mouth delicacy is a staple during festivals like Diwali and Navaratri, cherished for its simplicity, rich flavor, and quick preparation. Whether you're looking for a traditional treat or a healthy snack for kids, this no-cook ladoo is a perfect choice for all occasions.
What is Maladdu or Pottukadalai Urundai?
Maladdu, also known as Pottukadalai Urundai or Maa Laddu, is a traditional South Indian sweet made from roasted gram flour (pottukadalai), sugar, ghee, and cardamom. It’s a quick, no-cook dessert that’s especially popular during festivals like Diwali and Navaratri.
Can I substitute sugar with jaggery?
Yes, jaggery is a great alternative if you're looking for a healthier version. Use clean, grated jaggery and adjust the quantity to suit your taste. It adds a rich, earthy flavor to the laddu.
Can I add nuts or dry fruits to Maladdu?
Absolutely. Cashews, almonds, raisins, or even pistachios can be added for extra crunch and richness. Just roast them lightly in ghee before mixing.
Why is my Maladdu not holding shape?
If your mixture is too dry, add a little more warm ghee. If it’s too crumbly, press firmly while shaping. The right balance of moisture is key to perfect laddus.
Pottukadalai Urundai, Maa Laddu – Easy South Indian Sweets
Pottukadalai Urundai (Roasted Gram Balls) and Maa Laddu (Roasted Gram Flour Laddu) are traditional South Indian sweets made with pottukadalai (roasted chana dal), jaggery or sugar, and ghee. These quick and nutritious treats are especially popular during festivals like Diwali, Krishna Jayanthi, and Navratri.
How long does Maladdu stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, Maladdu can stay fresh for up to 7–10 days at room temperature. It’s a great make-ahead sweet for festivals or gifting.

Maa Ladoo / Maladu / Pottukadalai Laddu | Roasted Gram Balls
Ingredients
- Pottukadalai | Roasted Gram - 1 cup
- Sugar - 1 cup Adjust according to your Sweetness
- Cardamom Powder - 1/2 tsp
- Hot melted Ghee - 1/3 cup
Instructions
- In a mixie jar, add pottukadalai and grind into a fine powder
- Add sugar to the same jar and grind into fine Powder, giving regular intervals in between
- In a wide pan, add 2 tablespoon of ghee, and when the ghee is hot, add cashews; saute them until golden brown
- Turn down the flame and add the ground mixture and 3 tablespoon of hot melted ghee
- Turn off the stove and mix well. The mixture will come together
- If the mixture is not binding well, add a little more ghee
- Let the mixture turn warm. Do not allow the mixture to cool down completely
- Grease your hands with a little ghee and take a small portion of the dough
- Roll well and transfer to the plate
- After the Maladu is cool, transfer it into an airtight container
Video
Notes
- Jaggery/ brown sugar can be used instead of white sugar. Grate the jaggery and pulse it well and add it to the roasted gram flour
- Dates can be used instead of sugar (Refer Nuts & Dates Ladoo)
- Confectionery (Powdered) sugar can be used instead lg powderedimg the sugar
- Cardamom pods can be used instead of Powder
- Turbinado sugar can also be used instead of brown sugar. Pulse it before adding
Ingredients:
Pottukadalai | Roasted Gram - 1 cup
Sugar - 1 cup (Adjust according to your Sweetness)
Cardamom Powder - 1/2 tsp
Hot melted Ghee - 1/3 cup
How to make pottukadalai urundai with step-by-step pictures
- In a mixie jar, add pottukadalai and grind into a fine powder
- Add sugar to the same jar and grind into fine Powder, giving regular intervals in between
- In a wide pan, add 2 tablespoon of ghee, and when the ghee is hot, add cashews; saute them until golden brown
- Turn down the flame and add the ground mixture and 3 tablespoon of hot melted ghee
- Turn off the stove and mix well. The mixture will come together
-
If the mixture is not binding well, add a little more ghee
-
Let the mixture turn warm. Do not allow the mixture to cool down completely
- Grease your hands with a little ghee and take a small portion of the dough
- Roll well and transfer to the plate
- After the Maladu is cool, transfer it into an airtight container








wowww!!!! grt receipt will try to mke it tmrw
Thanku Naveena:-)
I also love laddu. .any kind. .is it similar to besan ki laddu
Thanku Moumita:-)
This sounds so healthy and delicious!
Thanku Cheri:-)
Ladoos look super yummy and healthy too! 🙂
Thanku Anu:-)
Ooooo,I love laddus too, yours looks really good.
Thanku Loretta:-)
Super yum..Any plans of visiting CA soon?
Thanku Malar.. No pa not immediately will let you know if I m travelling:-)
Looks so delicious Vidya! Yum 🙂
Thanku Antonio:-)
Awesome. I second malar. Same question from me too..
Illa Sri..ippothiku illa. Vantha will definitely let u know
healthy ladoo.. love it Happy diwali Vidya
Thanku Veena:-)
Good, easy and yummy recipe.. Book marked it Vidya.. Love to make it soon..
Thanku Seena:-)
Love this laddu.. It's so healthy too.. Looks really yummy..
Thanku Sona:-)
I love all sorts of ladoos. Adding brown sugar gives a nice twist. Yum!
Thanku Nish:-)
Healthy ladoo dear.Hope ur son enjoyed it as much as we do by watching these beauties.
Thanku Sathya:-)
The idea of using brown sugar in pottukadalai laddu sounds very innovative, I have to try it too. Tempting laddu.....
Thanku Mullai:-)