Called Nariyal ke Laddu in Hindi, Kobbari Louz in Telugu, and Narkel Naru in Bengali, this Coconut Laddu is super easy to make and delicious. I find it a great way to use all the extra coconut I have in the festive season or after major pujas. This Coconut and Jaggery laddu is also a great Diwali sweet to make!
Cuisine Bengali, Gluten Free, Indian, South Indian, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings 12Laddus
Calories 120kcal
Equipment
Heavy-bottomed Kadhai
Spatula
Plate
Ingredients
2CupsGrated Coconut
1CupGrated Jaggery(I used 2/3 Cup)
1/2tspCardamom Powder
Ghee for Rolling Laddus(Vegans can use oil)
Instructions
Making the Coconut Jaggery Mix
Over medium flame, heat a large heavy-bottomed kadhai for 2-3 minutes.
Turn the heat to low and wait for 1-2 minutes for it to cool a bit.
Add 2 packed cups of grated coconut and continuously stir-fry till it starts to dry out a bit. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Ensure that the colour of the grated coconut does not change and remains white.
Now add 1 cup grated jaggery and mix well.
Turn up the heat to medium, and constantly stir the mix till the jaggery melts and the mix comes together as a ball. How long you cook will decide how hard the Coconut Jaggery Laddu will be; I kept it relatively soft and chewy. Cook for longer and dry the mix out a bit if you want a more solid laddu.
Add 1/2 tsp cardamom powder and mix well. Do try adding 1/2 tsp Jaiphal powder (Nutmeg Powder) as some Maharashtrians do. It gives this laddu a wonderful flavour and aroma.
Turn off the heat and let the kadhai cool a bit. If you are making soft laddus, like I did, you can let the coconut-jaggery mix cool completely to room temperature. However, if you have dried out the mix a bit, make shape the laddus while the mix is still warm.
Shaping the Coconut Laddu | Nariyal ke Laddu
Grease your palms with 1-2 drops of ghee.
Take 1 to 1.5 tbsp of the mix and shape into a laddu.
Repeat the steps till all the coconut laddus have been formed.
Store in an air-tight container.
Notes
When measuring the grated coconut, ensure that you pack the cup. else the coconut-jaggery proportion will be disproportionate.
When you dry roast the grated coconut, be careful not to dry it out too much and ensure it remains white.
Constant mixing is the key to ensuring the coconut-jaggery mix does not burn.