Coconut (Nariyal) Ladoo Recipe

Delicious Nariyal Laddu Recipe: Creating Sweet Magic with Coconut

This Ganesh Chaturthi, please Lord Ganesha with his favorite nariyal (coconut) laddus, which symbolize the sweet blessings and good fortune that Lord Ganesha brings into the lives of his devotees.

Nariyal Laddu, also known as Coconut Laddu, is a popular Indian sweet dish that originates from India. It is a traditional dessert commonly prepared and enjoyed throughout the country. The word "Nariyal" in Hindi means coconut, and "Laddu" refers to a sweet ball-shaped confection. These laddus are made primarily from desiccated coconut (grated coconut), sugar, and other flavoring ingredients, and they hold cultural and festive significance in various Indian celebrations and festivals.

Read full recipe in Hindi: नारियाल लड्डू रेसिपी

Here's a step-by-step recipe of Coconut Laddu

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of desiccated coconut (you can use fresh grated coconut as well)
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1/4 cup of condensed milk
• 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter)
• Almonds or cashews, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee on medium heat.
2. Add the desiccated coconut to the pan and sauté it in ghee for 5-7 minutes on low to medium heat. Keep stirring continuously until it releases a pleasant coconut aroma.
3. Add 1 cup of sugar to the pan and mix well. Continue to cook on low heat while stirring.
4. Add 1/4 cup of condensed milk and a pinch of saffron strands (if using). Mix everything well and let it cook on low heat. Stir occasionally.
5. Continue to cook the mixture until it thickens, and you can see the mixture coming together as a mass. This may take around 10-15 minutes.
6. Once the mixture thickens, add 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder for flavor and mix it in.
7. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. It should be warm enough to handle.
8. Grease your palms with a little ghee to prevent sticking, then take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round laddus. Rolled them into desiccated coconut.  You can make them as big or small as you like.
9. If desired, you can press a chopped almond or cashew into the center of each laddu while shaping them.
10. Allow the Nariyal Laddus to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.
11. Once completely cooled, store the Nariyal Laddus in an airtight container. You can stored Nariyal Laddus  at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated for a longer shelf life.
12. Enjoy your homemade Nariyal Laddus as a delightful Indian sweet treat!