Coconut Ladoo / Sweet Coconut Balls

DRIED DESICCATED COCONUT: Coconut comes in dried forms as well as fresh. Most chain supermarkets have the sweetened variety only. For this recipe look for the unsweetened grated or shredded coconut in a health food market or Asian market. Both forms may also be found in the freezer in Asian groceries. Dried coconut can keep at room temperature for several months if sealed in plastic bags. This dish is very easy and can be made instantly, & served as a dessert, or anytime snack

Preparation time: 5 mins
Cooking time: 5 mins

Ingredients:

2 C desiccated coconut

1/2 C set aside to roll these coconut balls (laddus)

8 Oz condensed milk
1 tsp Cardamon Powder / few seeds

some saffron strands & little ghee (clarified butter)

A pinch lemon - yellow food color (optional)

Method:

1.. In a heavy bottomed pan, pour condensed milk & saffron strands / food color, mix it & let it get warm and then add desiccated coconut to it.
2.. Cook over low flame mixing it continuously for about 3-5 minutes.
3.. Add cardamom powder, few cardamonseeds.

4.. When the mixture leaves the sides of the pan, remove from flame & let it cool down for about 5-7 minutes. Don’t let the coconut mixture cool completely as it hardens quickly and it will be difficult to roll into balls. When it is still warm to touch apply ghee on your palm, take small portions and roll into a balls.

5.. In a cup, add already kept aside, dried coconut & roll each balls in it, so that the dry powder coats well on it..
6.. Place on a plate to dry.

Optional Garnishing:
Colored coconut scrappings can be sprinkled over the Laddus.
Garnish with roasted almonds or cashew nuts (optional)

Event Participation:

These Coconut Laddoo's is our contribution to DLC food festival, hosted by Divya.
This goes to PJ's event Lets Go Nuts- Coconut

This dish also goes to Think spice- think spiced sweet treats, hosted by Sunita.

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