Have you ever wondered why coconut is so popular in India? Coconut has cooling, rejuvenating properties that work wonders for our bodies, especially during the summer. As soon as the hot weather arrives, we start looking around for local pushcart vendors selling coconut water. One sip of it gives us instant energy and cools us down like nothing else. And the best part about coconut is that we can eat it both fresh and dried. And these are just a few of the delicious reasons why we should celebrate World Coconut Day on September 2.
In India, dry coconut has been used to make innumerable culinary treasures. Dishes prepared from this incredibly nutritious fruit only serve to highlight how important it is to our cuisine, whether it be in the form of rich South Indian curries or indulgent Indian desserts. It is a favourite ingredient in Indian desserts since it can give meals a creamy twist and a mild yet pronounced coconut flavour. It is just irreplaceable even when compared to the most upscale sweets from around the world.
Here are some of the best coconut desserts that you have to try.
Coconut Barfi
Coconut barfi is a traditional Indian sweet that is made with grated coconut, sugar, milk, and flavoured with cardamom powder. Coconut barfi is a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It has a rich, creamy texture and a delicate coconut flavour that is sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth.
Coconut Ladoo
Coconut Ladoo is another popular Indian sweet that is made with shredded coconut, and condensed milk, and flavoured with cardamom powder. Coconut ladoo is a simple yet delicious dessert that is loved by many in India. It has a soft and chewy texture, with a subtle coconut flavour that is perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the condensed milk.
Coconut Kulfi
Coconut Kulfi is a traditional Indian frozen dessert that is similar to ice cream but has a richer and creamier texture. It is made by simmering milk, sugar, and coconut until it thickens and reduces, and then freezing the mixture in individual moulds or containers. The kulfi can be served as a dessert, garnished with chopped nuts or fresh fruits. Coconut kulfi is a delicious and refreshing dessert that is perfect for a hot summer day. Its creamy texture and rich coconut flavour make it a favourite among many, and it is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Coconut Gujiya
Coconut Gujiya is a sweet Indian pastry that is traditionally made during festivals and special occasions. It is similar to a fried dumpling and is filled with a sweet coconut filling.
The outer shell of the gujiya is made by kneading all-purpose flour or maida with water, ghee, and a pinch of salt until it forms a smooth dough. The dough is then rolled out into thin circles and cut into rounds.
The coconut filling is made by combining shredded coconut, sugar, cardamom powder, chopped nuts, and raisins in a bowl. The mixture is then stuffed into the dough rounds and sealed by pressing the edges together.
The gujiyas are then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Once fried, they are drained on paper towels to remove excess oil and dusted with powdered sugar before serving.
Coconut gujiyas are a delicious and sweet dessert that is popular in many parts of India. They are often served during Holi and Diwali, and they make a great snack to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. The combination of the crispy outer shell and the sweet coconut filling is simply irresistible.
Coconut Rice Pudding
Coconut rice pudding is a sweet and creamy dessert made with rice, coconut milk, and sugar. It is a popular dessert in many parts of the world, especially in tropical countries like India, Thailand, and the Caribbean.
Some variations also add fresh fruits like mango, pineapple, or banana for added flavour and texture. Coconut rice pudding is a comforting and delicious dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for other desserts like cakes or pies. It is also a great alternative to traditional rice pudding for those who are dairy-free or lactose intolerant.
Naralachi Vadi
Naralachi Vadi is a popular Maharashtrian dessert that is also known as coconut fudge or coconut barfi. It is made with grated coconut, sugar, and a few other ingredients that are cooked together until the mixture thickens and solidifies into a fudge-like consistency.
Naralachi Vadi has a rich coconut flavour and a slightly chewy texture that makes it a delightful treat for coconut lovers. It is often garnished with chopped nuts or silver leaf to add a touch of elegance to the dish.
This sweet and delicious fudge is a popular dessert during festivals and special occasions like Diwali, Navratri, and weddings in Maharashtra.
Coconut Chikki
Coconut Chikki is a popular Indian sweet snack made with coconut and jaggery syrup. It is a traditional treat that is commonly prepared during festivals like Makar Sankranti and Lohri. The jaggery syrup gives the chikki a sweet and caramel-like flavour, while the coconut adds a crunchy texture and a distinct tropical taste. It is a healthy snack as both coconut and jaggery are considered to be good sources of essential nutrients.
Coconut Chikki is a great snack to satisfy your sweet cravings and is easy to make at home. It is also a popular gift item during festivals and is often exchanged between friends and family.
Paal Payasam
Paal Payasam is a traditional Indian dessert that originated in the southern state of Kerala. It is a rich and creamy rice pudding made with coconut milk, jaggery or sugar, rice, and flavoured with cardamom and nuts.
The use of coconut milk instead of regular milk gives the Paal Payasam its distinct flavour and richness. The jaggery or sugar adds sweetness and also gives the pudding a caramel-like colour. The addition of cardamom and nuts makes it more fragrant and flavorful.
Paal Payasam is a popular dessert during festivals and special occasions in Kerala and is also served in many Indian restaurants across the country. It can be served hot or cold and is best enjoyed as a comforting dessert after a delicious meal.
Coconut Kheer
Coconut kheer is a popular Indian dessert made with coconut milk, rice, and sweetener, often flavoured with cardamom and garnished with nuts. It is a variant of the traditional rice pudding, with the addition of coconut milk giving it a rich and creamy texture.
Coconut kheer is often served during festivals and special occasions in India, as well as in Indian restaurants. It is a delicious and comforting dessert that can be served hot or chilled, depending on personal preference.
Patishapta
Patishapta is a popular Bengali dessert that is similar to a crepe or a thin pancake. It is made by filling a thin rice flour batter with a sweet coconut or jaggery filling and then rolled up and served. Patishapta is typically enjoyed during winter months and is often served during the Bengali festival of Poush Sankranti.
Patishapta can be served as a dessert after a meal or as a sweet snack. It is often garnished with chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds and served with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. The combination of the soft and delicate crepe-like outer layer with the sweet and creamy coconut or jaggery filling makes patishapta a delicious and indulgent dessert.
So that's it, try these delicious coconut desserts at home. You will not regret it.