Coconut Laddoo- Narkel er Naru

Coconut laddoo or what we call Narkel er Naru in our local language in Bengal is a very common sweet made as an offering during many festivals. It’s simple to make and usually made with coconut, sugar or jaggery and sometimes other ingredients are added. I haven’t seen these in most sweet shops but over time some of them made the transition into packages in supermarkets and other online stores. The coconut needs to be dried up so that it has a longer shelf life for the variety that you get to buy these days.

I’m doing a traditional home-made version here with fresh grated coconut. We don’t recommend keeping these for too long. Maybe a week or 10 days at the most. Janmashtami and Teacher’s Day in my calendar- a bit of a blast from the past. We also have a few other celebrations coming up soon.

It’s the beginning of the festive season in most parts of the world. I have often wondered why have so many festivals during this time of the year. All bunched up in autumn and winter months for those who are in the Northern Hemisphere. Well, its spring- summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Is that more hopeful for others?

I am doing this in the memory of elders who taught us this and gave us much love over the years. There was a moment of deliberation, should we make malpua or some kheer instead for Krishna’s birthday. It is actually celebrated differently in different parts of India and across the world.

I’m still mourning the loss of a few loved ones this year so decided to keep it really simple. More of a symbol of celebrating their lives and sending out prayers for their loved ones who are going through their own rites of passage. Grief is a very personal and difficult emotion to deal with for many people.

Different people have shared their own ways of dealing with losses. I’m sharing a very simple sweet dish here. Hopefully, it helps a few to move ahead with a bit of a sweet remembrance of the past.

Coconut Laddoo or Steamed Coconut Fish

I debated for a while since the other suggestion was for Steamed Coconut Fish and I really love that too. I love both so asking me to choose one over the other is always a difficult proposition. If you ask me- personally, I prefer the latter. This was a tough decision for me to make.

Finally decided to share the laddoo recipe this week and keep the other as a note for later. We are still recovering from the shock of a few untimely deaths in our family.

The steamed coconut fish would have more proteins and less sugar- so definitely a healthier choice. But sometimes, we give way to traditions which are more in keeping with the interests of larger groups of people.

Like, I know I might actually find it difficult to make the coconut laddoos unless there is a festive occasion. Why? There’s usually less incentive for me to make desserts nowadays given my primary concern is to keep myself and others healthy.

However, does that mean life should be without a little celebration? Let’s pause and let that sink in.

Prepping for the Coconut Laddoos

Actually, I have the ingredients ready for the fish recipe. But that’s not the point. Sometimes we do a little bit extra for festivals and to share with others.

My little critical inner voice is chiding me with that narrative of being a people pleaser here. Honestly, nobody is asking me to do this. So, that argument fails. Let’s say I’m doing it more for my own learning and perhaps others benefit now or later.

So instead of making excuses and wasting time, let me get to finding the ingredients necessary for making this simple sweet dish.

My mother gave me a few tips, and I realised that since I’m not making a very large quantity, I can probably focus on the quality of the dish. I feel like making it mouthwateringly delicious.

I was going to add some kheer or khoya to it. That’s always good. We know Krishna loved his dairy products. I thought- out goes my less sugar, dairy free resolution for this one dish. It’s ok. Not the worst of crimes given we have so many bigger problems in this universe. But it so happened that I have a bit of a stomach upset. So, we had to skip the dairy here.

Now to add semolina or suji to it or not. Given that I have never made this naru on my own before, its becoming a bit of a creative experiment. But, haven’t set the bar very high here- it’s a simple dish. So, let’s not get too obsessed with our own tiny little problems.

Coconut Laddoo with or without Cardamom?

Some cardamom powder has been recommended to give it a sweet fragrance. Now I know many people who hate this spice. Don’t ask me why. Might be it’s too sweet for them or too “desi“. Anyone wants to look up the origin of this spice? Madagascar you say? Ummm…no.

While I am exposing my stupidities, somebody maybe an expert in this subject. Have you noticed how so much of discussion on a simple thing immediately makes it seem impossibly self-indulgent?

If I was making malpuas, I would have skipped the cardamom debate. Gone into saffron, anise and fennel seeds instead. Well, it’s a much sweeter and richer dessert.

Ok- we have decided. Enough chattering. Coconut Laddoo it is. As kids we had grandmas, aunts and others singing to us- “haath ghorale naru pabe“. Literal translation is if you use your hands you get the narus or laddoos. Simple meaning.

Difficult and darker meaning is- if you keep rolling your hands and do nothing- you get nothing. Weird how the same thing can be interpreted differently.

Coconut Laddoo a simple 3 Ingredient Sweet

Can we make it with just 3 ingredients? Sure! All you need is grated coconut, sugar and cardamom pods or powder. That’s all. So simple and really easy to make. Which is why it is suitable for large gatherings and festive occasions. Loved by many kids and definitely easy to digest in case you are trying to avoid heavier desserts.

Of course, its not a super healthy option in our list. But hey, we are not always thinking about diet and waistlines. If you are actually diabetic, my apologies. Didn’t mean to undermine your struggles. But we do have kids in this universe who may want to make this simple festive dish.

I can’t recommend this enough. And for first timers who are attempting to make this for a large gathering, here’s my protip.

Roll out the laddoo mix while it’s still a bit gooey and warm. It will stick together and take better shape. And a little toasty smell of the coconut is fine. Some people don’t want it to be too strong.

Footnote

Three little plants

One came with a memory of Didu (grandma)

Another with a memory of Baba (father)

The last one was a surprising addition

Something unexpected from a helpful Bhai (younger brother)

I share this as a story of my little ways

To do something for whoever stays

These plants are temporary, the pots are old

It costs a bit to get rid of the damp musty mold

But the memories are priceless for those who care

It really depends how you let it wear….

It’s been a hard year for most of us and yet

You are asking me whether I forget?

I don’t forget a few things so easily…that’s my curse

I’m really not sure that’s better or worse.

Melting Lemon Drop 06.09.2026

Check the video of the coconut laddoo making