Easy Coconut Laddoo (Sweet Coconut Balls)

Coconut laddoos are fairly easy to make and they are delicious to eat. This is an exciting recipe for young chefs too. I usually make these sweets for celebrations and festivals such as Diwali. I usually make 108 of these to offer to Lord Ganesha. If you want to make 108 pieces, simply triple the recipe. (The size of the balls will also determine how many you make).

While traditionally, coconut laddoos are made with freshly grated coconuts and sugar, this recipe uses fine desiccated coconut and condensed milk, taking a lot of time out of preparation and still makes yummy and satisfying sweets. Some nuts such as pistachios or almonds can be added for texture. You can also add food colour to the laddoo mixture to make pretty coloured sweets.

Tips to make a great laddoo:

1. Take care to not overcook the coconut and condensed milk mixture. The mixture should be still wet when you finish cooking it. If it dries up too much, the laddoos will become hard.

2. Use fine desiccated coconut. If the coconut is not fine, you can blend it further in a food processor.

3. Store sweets in a sealed container, in a cool place. Keeps fresh for about a week.

You will love the simplicity of this dessert. If you are a coconut fan than this one is for you!

Ingredients:

1 tin condensed milk (approximately 400ml)

3 cups fine desiccated coconut

1/4 cup dessicated coconut extra

1 tsp cardamom

1/2 tsp nutmeg

Food colour (optional)

1/4 cup chopped pistachio/ cashews/ almonds

Method

1. Add 1 can of condensed milk to a heavy-based pan together with 3 cups of desiccated coconut. Mix well.

2. Cook on a low flame, stirring continuously until the mixture comes together and starts to give off a nice aroma. Stop cooking while the mixture is still moist.

3. Add cardamom, nutmeg powder and chopped nuts. Add a few drops of food colour if desired. Mix well.

4. While the mixture is still warm, shape into smooth round balls using the palm of your hands.

5. Roll the balls in the extra desiccated coconut to add a coating of dry coconut to the sweets.

6. Enjoy!