Step 1
Set a wide thick-bottomed pan (preferably non-stick) on medium heat for about 2 minutes.
Step 2
Lower the heat, and add the sweetened condensed milk to the pan and warm it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Keep stirring the milk to prevent it from sticking to the pan and burning.
Note - The canned sweetened condensed milk is very thick for making laddoos. Therefore, you need to warm it to make it less dense.
Step 3
Add the cardamom powder to the warm condensed milk and mix well. Then, add 4 cups of shredded coconut, bring the heat to medium-low, and cook for about 5 minutes, until the coconut combines well with the condensed milk. Keep stirring to prevent the mixture from burning.
Note - Save the remaining 1 cup of shredded coconut in a plate for later use.
Step 4
The mixture is very hot at this point; let it sit for a few minutes to bring the temperature down to warm. Then, take a small quantity of the mixture in your palm and shape it like a lime-sized ball. Your first Coconut Laddoo is almost ready.
Note - If the mixture breaks while you are trying to shape it, add some more shredded coconut (about 1 to 2 tablespoons) to the mixture and mix well.
Step 5
Now, roll the laddoo over the dry shredded coconut that you'd saved in a plate. The dry shredded coconut will stick to the laddoo providing it a nice look and texture. Your first Coconut Laddoo is now ready!
Step 6
Shape the remaining mixture into similar lime-sized laddoos, and roll them over the dry shredded coconut in the plate. Make sure you do not leave the mixture for a long time or it will dry out. Once the mixture dries out, it will be difficult for you to shape the laddoos.
Note - You will be able to make about 20 laddoos with the given quantity of ingredients.
Step 7
Cool the laddoos and store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Coconut Laddoos taste best when served cold.
Many people started offering Coconut Laddoos to the Gods that led to the laddoos becoming one of the common sweet dishes made during festivals and celebrations in the Indian subcontinent. Gradually, Coconut Laddoo made its way to the snack and dessert tables.
In this recipe, Coconut Laddoos are made with unsweetened shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk with a hint of cardamom powder for enhanced flavors. You can serve these ladoos as a dessert or snack.
Happy Cooking!