Traditional Narkel Naru (Coconut Jaggery Laddus) Recipe
Narkel Naru, a beloved Bengali sweet treat, is made from shredded coconut and sugarcane jaggery, flavored with aromatic cardamom. Perfect for festivals, these moist and lavorful laddus (balls) are easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients. This detailed step-by-step recipe ensures you can make perfect narus every time! Follow along for expert tips, a detailed ingredient list, and helpful cooking instructions.
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Plate or tray (for cooling)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- ½ cup Shredded Coconut fresh or desiccated
- ¾ cups Sugarcane Jaggery melted, or use regular jaggery as an alternative
- ¼ tsp Cardamom Powder for flavor
- 1 tsp Ghee for greasing hands
Instructions
Prepare the coconut and jaggery:
- Take the shredded coconut in a pan and add the sugarcane jaggery to it. Mix the jaggery with the coconut until the mixture becomes soft and moist. If necessary, add extra jaggery to reach your desired sweetness or texture.¾ cups Sugarcane Jaggery, ¼ tsp Cardamom Powder
Cook the mixture:
- Place the pan on medium heat and cook the coconut and jaggery mixture for 6 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
Add cardamom powder:
- After cooking for a few minutes, add the cardamom powder to the mixture and stir well to incorporate the flavor.1 tsp Ghee
Cook until done:
- Continue cooking the mixture until the coconut absorbs the jaggery syrup and the mixture thickens.
Shape the Naru:
- Once the mixture is done, remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly but not completely. Grease your hands with a little ghee and take small portions of the mixture. Shape them into round balls (narus).
Cool and serve:
- Allow the narkel narus to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. They are ready to enjoy!
Video
Notes
Recipe Notes:
- Fresh Coconut vs. Desiccated: Fresh coconut works best for this recipe, providing a moist and rich texture. If using desiccated coconut, make sure it’s unsweetened, and you may need to add a tablespoon of water to moisten the mixture.
- Jaggery Type: Sugarcane jaggery is ideal for an authentic flavor, but regular jaggery or even brown sugar can be substituted if unavailable. Adjust the quantity depending on sweetness preference.
- Shape While Warm: Make sure to shape the narus while the mixture is still warm, as it becomes difficult to form balls once the mixture cools down completely.
- Add-ins: You can add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
- Storage: Store narus in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for extended shelf life.
Nutrition
Calories: 85kcal
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