Coconut ladoo is a delicious Indian sweet made from grated coconut and condensed milk. It's a simple yet delightful treat, perfect for festivals like Diwali. A step-by-step guide on how to make coconut ladoo:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups freshly grated coconut (or desiccated coconut)
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- Chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)
- Edible rose petals (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Coconut:
- If you're using freshly grated coconut, make sure it's fine and not too moist. You can dry it out in a pan on low heat for a few minutes if needed.
2. Cooking the Coconut:
- In a non-stick pan or a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium-low heat.
- Add the grated coconut and sauté it for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously until it turns lightly golden and fragrant.
3. Adding Condensed Milk:
- Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and continue to cook, stirring constantly.
4. Cooking the Mixture:
- Cook the mixture on medium-low heat, stirring continuously. The mixture will thicken and start leaving the sides of the pan. This can take about 10-12 minutes.
5. Adding Cardamom:
- Once the mixture thickens and becomes non-sticky, add the cardamom powder for flavor. Mix well.
6. Shaping the Ladoo:
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. It should be warm enough to handle.
- Grease your hands with a little ghee and take a small portion of the mixture. Roll it between your palms to form a smooth, round ladoo. Repeat this process for the rest of the mixture.
7. Garnishing (Optional):
- If you like, you can garnish the coconut ladoo with chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios. You can also decorate them with edible rose petals for a touch of elegance.
8. Serving:
- Let the coconut ladoo cool completely before serving. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container.
Coconut ladoo is a delightful sweet treat that's perfect for festivals, celebrations, or as a simple dessert. Enjoy the creamy, coconutty goodness of these homemade ladoos.