Bengali Coconut laddu or Narkel Naru is a popular traditional sweet made with grated coconut and jaggery or sugar. It's especially enjoyed during festivals like Puja specially Lakshmi Puja.
Narkel Naru holds a special place in the hearts of Bengalis, especially from childhood days. For those who grew up in Bengal or in Bengali households, Narkel Naru is more than just a sweet treat—it is a symbol of warmth, festivity, and nostalgia. It reminds me of my childhood days!
Ingredients:
2 cups grated fresh coconut (you can use packed frozen grated coconut or desiccated coconut )
1 cup jaggery (or sugar, but jaggery gives a more authentic flavor)
1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
¼ teaspoon cardamom powder (optional, for flavor)
2-3 tablespoons water (if using jaggery)
Instructions:
Grate the Coconut:
Grate the fresh coconut finely and set aside. If using Frozen or desiccated coconut, lightly toast it for a few minutes to enhance the flavor.
Prepare Jaggery Syrup (if using jaggery):
In a pan, melt the jaggery with 2-3 tablespoons of water on low heat. Stir frequently to dissolve the jaggery completely and make a smooth jaggery syrup.
Cook the Mixture:
Add the grated coconut to the jaggery syrup (or sugar, if using that instead) in the pan. Stir continuously to combine the coconut and jaggery.
Cook the mixture on medium heat until it thickens and starts coming together, about 10-15 minutes. The jaggery should blend well with the coconut, and the mixture should become sticky.
Add cardamom powder for extra flavor.
Shape the Naru:
Once the mixture starts to leave the sides of the pan and becomes slightly dry but still sticky, remove it from the heat.
Let the mixture cool for few minutes until it's safe to handle.
Grease your palms with ghee, and start shaping small balls (naru) from the warm mixture. Press firmly to shape them.
Cool and Store:
Allow the Narkel Naru to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can last for weeks .
Enjoy your Bengali Coconut Naru with a cup of tea or during festive celebrations!
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