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 ½ cup shredded coconut in a heavy-bottomed pan.¾ cups Sugarcane Jaggery
- Add ¾ cup grated sugarcane jaggery and mix well.¾ cups Sugarcane Jaggery
- If the mixture feels dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to help the jaggery melt evenly.
Cook the mixture:
- Place the pan over medium heat and stir continuously.
- The jaggery will begin to melt and blend with the coconut.
- After 6-7 minutes, the mixture will thicken.
- Add ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder for an aromatic flavor.¼ tsp Cardamom Powder
Shaping the Naru:
- Continue cooking until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Grease your hands with ghee, take small portions, and roll into round balls.1 tsp Ghee
Cooling and Storing
- Place the shaped narus on a plate and let them cool completely.
Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
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: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 0.3mg
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