Share
Let’s begin with a little trivia. Did you know that coconut was originally called coco? Yes, it was the European explorers who first discovered this fruit (yes, it is not a nut) and started calling it coco because it had three dots on the shell, which appeared like the spooky hobgoblin. For the purpose of this article, we will stick to coconut though. My first tryst with coconut happened as a kid. In my school days (I think it is relevant even now), we used to quiz each other with these fun riddles. It was during one of the Hindi lessons that our teacher mentioned this phrase, “Katore mein Katora, beta baap se bhi gora”. Instantly, someone from the back screamed, “Coconut” and that got me thinking.
The tropical fruit has a darker shell while the inside in pure white. Which is why the riddle makes sense. Now, while coconut is used in a lot of cooking, it is southern India that is known for its extensive use of coconut, given their topography. Most of the South Indian dishes are cooked in coconut oil, which can also be applied to scalp for stronger and shinier hair. Right from the coconut chutney to the dosas and appams, coconut is omnipresent.
However, it would be unfair to restrict the goodness of coconut to just savouries. There are a range of desserts that can be made with this fruit too. For instance, the Australians make a sponge cake called lammingtons whose specialty is the shredded coconut. Similarly, we’ve got some lip-smacking sweetmeats on our Indian dessert counter.
This World Coconut Day, let’s indulge in some drool-worthy desserts made from this great fruit.
1. Coconut Barfi
It is not possible that you have never had a piece of coconut barfi in your entire life. A very common, square-shaped dessert, barfis are made with anything and everything in India. Bring together mawa, coconut, saffron and ghee and your coconut barfi is ready. Add powdered sugar for sweetness and your job is done.
2. Patishapta
These are the Bengali version of pancakes, generally prepared during festivities like Makar Sakranti. Thin and light pancakes, made from rice flour taste delectable once you stuff them with shredded coconut. One bite in and you won't be able to resist another one.
3. Coconut Payasam
A South Indian dessert, payasam is a rice pudding that is prepared during Onam and is similar to kheer. Sweetened with jaggery, the pudding has the aroma of elaichi and saffron along with grated coconut as well as rice. The nuts add to the richness of this drool-worthy dessert.
4. Coconut Ladoo
Ladoos and barfis are the standard Indian sweets which come to mind whenever there is something to celebrate. From boondi to besan, these round balls can be filled with a variety of things. Coconut ladoos are one such variation. The desiccated coconut flakes stick to the ladoos and give them a mild crunch.
5. Coconut Mawa Gujiya
Gujiya is generally a Holi staple. Stuffed with a mawa and desiccated coconut filling, these half-moon shaped gujiyas are then deep-fried in ghee to give you a perfect crunch and a soft interior.
6. Coconut Modak
Associated with Lord Ganesha, freshly prepared trays of modak can be seen outside sweet shops during Ganesh Chaturthi. While you’ve got a variety of modaks, from kesar to chocolate, this coconut modak recipe is to die for.
7. Black Rice Coconut Pudding
Jasmine rice is used for this pudding where layers of black and white are prepared with a mix of unsweetened coconut milk, sugar and vanilla extract.
Never thought coconut could do so much for your sweet tooth? Now is the time to try!
