Place the sugar, water, saffron, rose water, cardamom and food colouring in a pan, place on the stovetop on medium heat and allow the sugar to dissolve.
Heat for about 5 minutes until the sugar has completely dissolved and the syrup is slightly thick. Rub some syrup between your fingers. When you pull your fingers apart a single thread should form. Turn off the heat and leave it on the stovetop to stay warm.
In a large bowl mix the gram flour, bicarbonate of soda, butter ghee and water. You should have a runny batter.
Heat some oil in a pan and pass the mixture through a spoon with holes. Little round boondis will be released. Fry for a few seconds, the boondis shouldn't be over fried. Use a slotted spoon to remove the boondi. Drain the excess oil and place the boondis straight into the warm syrup.
Remove the cardamom/elachie pods from the syrup. Mix the boondis into the syrup and set aside to cool, for an hour and a half.
Add the elachie powder, almond powder and powdered milk to the boondi mixture Mix well. Use a small ice-cream scoop to scoop out the mixture and form into round balls. Decorate with pistachio or almonds.
Store the ladoos in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to a week