Coconut Ladoo

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8

Welcome to the delightful world of Coconut Ladoo! These sweet, bite-sized treats are perfect for celebrating special occasions or just indulging in a little homemade goodness. With a rich coconut flavor enhanced by aromatic cardamom, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with just a few ingredients.
  • Richly flavored with coconut and cardamom for a unique taste.
  • Perfect for festive occasions or as a simple homemade treat.
  • Customizable with optional nuts for added texture.

Ingredients

2 cups freshly grated coconut
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
1 tablespoon ghee
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1/4 cup desiccated coconut for rolling

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by heating a non-stick pan over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of ghee. Once the ghee is melted and hot, toss in the freshly grated coconut. Stir it around for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes fragrant. This step is crucial as it deepens the coconut’s flavor.

Next, pour in the entire can of sweetened condensed milk. Stir well to combine everything, then lower the heat. Keep stirring the mixture as it cooks; you’ll notice it thickening up. Patience is key here—keep stirring until it reaches a thick consistency.

Now, sprinkle in the cardamom powder and mix thoroughly to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool down just enough to handle.

Grease your palms with a little ghee, which will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands. Scoop out small portions and roll them into balls. Once shaped, roll each ball in desiccated coconut to coat it evenly.

If you’re adding nuts, gently press a few pieces into each ladoo. Let them cool completely before serving or storing, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh coconut for the best flavor, but if unavailable, frozen or packaged grated coconut can work in a pinch.
  • Keep the heat low when thickening the mixture to prevent it from burning.
  • Greasing your palms with ghee helps in shaping the ladoos without sticking.

Serving Suggestions

These Coconut Ladoos are perfect for festive gatherings or as a dessert addition to a traditional Indian meal. Pair them with a cup of chai tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They also make a great gift, beautifully packaged in decorative boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried coconut instead of fresh?
Yes, just make sure to hydrate it slightly by soaking in warm water for a few minutes, then draining well.
How long can I store these ladoos?
They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature.
Is there a substitute for ghee?
Butter can be used if ghee is unavailable, but the flavor might slightly differ.

Ingredients Explained

Freshly grated coconut is the star of the show, providing a natural, sweet flavor and chewy texture. Sweetened condensed milk serves as the sweet binder, simplifying the process by combining sweetness and creaminess in one. A touch of ghee adds a rich, buttery flavor and helps in roasting the coconut to perfection. Cardamom powder is the key spice here, adding a warm, aromatic touch that complements the coconut beautifully. The chopped nuts, though optional, bring a delightful crunch to each bite. Lastly, desiccated coconut for rolling adds a dry, decorative finish that amplifies the coconut flavor.

Simplified Instructions

1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add ghee.
2. Add the freshly grated coconut and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and mix well.
4. Continue to cook the mixture on low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens.
5. Add cardamom powder and mix thoroughly.
6. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
7. Grease your palms with a little ghee and shape the mixture into small balls.
8. Roll each ball in desiccated coconut to coat evenly.
9. If using nuts, push a few pieces into each ladoo.
10. Allow to cool completely before serving or storing.

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