Coconut Ladoo – A Simple, Sweet Indian Delight

Coconut Ladoo (or Nariyal Ladoo) is a popular and traditional Indian sweet enjoyed during festive celebrations. This recipe is quick, easy, and uses just a few simple ingredients to make soft, moist, and creamy ladoos that melt in your mouth. Desiccated coconut is roasted with full-fat milk and ghee, then sweetened with sugar and flavored with cardamom. Garnished with pistachios or rose petals, these ladoos are a perfect treat to share with family and friends during festivals like Diwali, Rakhi, or any special occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter), plus extra to grease your hands
  
  

• 175 grams (2 cups) desiccated coconut
  
  

• 1 cup full-fat milk
  
  

• 160 grams (2/3 cup) sugar
  
  

• 60 grams (1/4 cup) heavy cream or fresh malai
  
  

• 3 to 4 tablespoons milk powder (optional, but recommended)
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
  
  

• Additional desiccated coconut for coating
  
  

• Optional: Slivered pistachios and dried rose petals for garnish
  
  

Directions:

1. Roast the coconut: Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over low heat. Add the desiccated coconut and roast it for 2-3 minutes until it gives off a nutty aroma.
   
   

2. Add milk and cream: Pour in the milk and cream, cooking while stirring continuously until the milk is absorbed by the coconut.
   
   

3. Add sugar: Stir in the sugar and continue cooking until the mixture begins to release some moisture and the sugar melts.
   
   

4. Mix in milk powder and cardamom: Add the milk powder and cardamom powder. Stir well and cook until the mixture comes together and forms a dough-like consistency, leaving the sides of the pan.
   
   

5. Cool the mixture: Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for 10 minutes, just enough to handle.
   
   

6. Form the ladoos: Grease your hands with a little ghee. Take 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Coat the ladoo in desiccated coconut and place it on a plate.
   
   

7. Garnish: Garnish with slivered pistachios or dried rose petals if desired.
   
   

8. Serve: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container. These ladoos can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: 157 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 14.7g
  
  

• Protein: 2g
  
  

• Fat: 11g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 8.9g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 10mg
  
  

• Sodium: 21mg
  
  

• Potassium: 80mg
  
  

• Fiber: 2.1g
  
  

• Sugar: 12.4g
  
  

• Calcium: 43mg