Coconut laddu is a classic Indian sweet that’s soft, sweet, and delicately flavored with cardamom. Made with desiccated coconut, milk powder, and ghee, these laddus are ideal for festive occasions or any time you crave a quick treat. Here’s an easy recipe to make coconut laddus at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups desiccated coconut (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup milk powder
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoons ghee
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mixture:
- In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over low heat.
- Add the desiccated coconut and lightly toast for 2-3 minutes until it releases a nice aroma. Be careful not to brown the coconut.
- Add the Milk and Other Ingredients:
- Pour in the milk, milk powder, and sugar. Stir the mixture continuously over low to medium heat to prevent sticking.
- Add cardamom powder and cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and begins to leave the sides of the pan.
- Form the Laddus:
- Let the mixture cool slightly until it’s comfortable to handle.
- Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into round laddus. Grease your hands with a little ghee if the mixture feels sticky.
- Roll each laddu in extra desiccated coconut for an attractive coating.
- Serve and Store:
- Serve the coconut laddus immediately, or store them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips for Perfect Coconut Laddus:
- For a Richer Taste: If you prefer, use freshly grated coconut instead of desiccated coconut, but increase the cooking time slightly to remove extra moisture.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the sugar quantity to make the laddus sweeter or less sweet, depending on your preference.
Presentation Tips:
- Serve coconut laddus on a decorative plate or in cupcake liners for a beautiful presentation.
- Sprinkle a bit of extra cardamom powder on top for added aroma and flavor.
Nutrition Chart for Coconut Laddu (per laddu)
• Calories —————— 120 kcal
• Total Fat —————— 7 g
• Cholesterol ————— 5 mg
• Sodium ——————– 40 mg
• Total Carbohydrates — 13 g
• Protein ——————— 2 g
• Sugar ———————— 10 g
• Fiber ———————— 2 g
Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.