Ganesh Utsav, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. It marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity, and is celebrated with great joy and fervor across the country. One of the most significant aspects of this festival is the preparation and offering of various sweets, known as ‘prasad,’ to Lord Ganesha. Among the many delicious sweet dishes, those made with coconut hold a special place in the festivities. In this article, we will explore three coconut sweet recipes that are perfect for Ganesh Utsav 2023.
1. Coconut Barfi:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups grated coconut
– 1 cup condensed milk
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
Instructions:
1. Heat ghee in a pan and roast the grated coconut until it turns golden brown.
2. Add condensed milk, sugar, and cardamom powder to the roasted coconut. Mix well.
3. Cook the mixture on low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
4. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a greased tray.
5. Smooth the surface with a spatula, sprinkle chopped nuts on top, and gently press them to adhere.
6. Allow it to cool completely, then cut into desired shapes and serve.
2. Coconut Ladoo:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups grated coconut
– 1 cup condensed milk
– 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
Instructions:
1. Heat a non-stick pan and add grated coconut to it.
2. Roast the coconut on medium heat until it turns slightly golden.
3. Add condensed milk and cardamom powder to the roasted coconut. Mix well.
4. Cook the mixture on low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
5. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
6. While the mixture is still warm, take small portions and shape them into ladoos using your palms.
7. Garnish with chopped nuts and let them cool completely before serving.
3. Naralachi Vadi (Coconut Bar):
Ingredients:
– 2 cups grated coconut
– 1 cup jaggery, grated
– 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
– 2 tablespoons ghee
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
Instructions:
1. Heat ghee in a pan and add grated coconut to it.
2. Roast the coconut on medium heat until it turns slightly golden.
3. Add grated jaggery and cardamom powder to the roasted coconut. Mix well.
4. Cook the mixture on low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
5. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a greased tray.
6. Smooth the surface with a spatula and sprinkle chopped nuts on top. Gently press them to adhere.
7. Allow it to cool completely and then cut into square or diamond shapes. Serve and enjoy.
These three coconut-based sweet recipes are sure to add a delicious touch to your Ganesh Utsav celebrations in 2023. Whether you choose to make Coconut Barfi, Coconut Ladoo, or Naralachi Vadi, these traditional sweets are loved by all and will surely be enjoyed as prasad by Lord Ganesha and his devotees. Make sure to follow these recipes carefully and prepare these treats with love and devotion. Happy Ganesh Utsav!
