Coconut Laddoos

Shopping list

• 2 cups desiccated coconut — dried grated coconut, plus a little extra for rolling

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• 0.75 cups sweetened condensed milk

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• 1 teaspoon ghee — clarified butter

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• 0.5 teaspoon cardamom powder

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• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts — like cashews or pistachios (optional)

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Step by step

1. 1

   Melt the ghee in a heavy-bottom pan on low heat.

2. 2

   Add the chopped nuts and toast them until golden, then set them aside.

3. 3

   Add the desiccated coconut to the same warm pan.

4. 4

   Roast the coconut on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes until warm and fragrant. Do not let it turn brown.

5. 5

   Pour the condensed milk and cardamom powder into the warm coconut.

6. 6

   Stir well to combine everything into a sticky mixture.

7. 7

   Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, for 4 to 6 minutes.

8. 8

   Stop cooking when the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a single cohesive, moist mass.

9. 9

   Remove the pan from the heat.

10. 10

    Let the mixture cool until it is safe to touch with your hands.

11. 11

    Rub a little ghee or water on your palms.

12. 12

    Scoop a small portion (about 1 to 2 tablespoons) of the warm mixture.

13. 13

    Press the mixture firmly in your hand, then roll it between both palms to form a smooth ball.

14. 14

    Roll the finished ball in extra desiccated coconut to coat the outside.

15. 15

    Repeat for the rest of the mixture and let them cool completely to set.