Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the Milk Base

   Add 1/4 cup of water to a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent the milk from sticking. Then, pour in 2 cups (500 ml) of full-fat milk. Bring the milk to a boil over medium heat, stirring continuously.

2. 2.Reduce the Milk

   Continue to boil and stir the milk until it reduces to about half its original volume and thickens. This process takes approximately 10-12 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the pan to incorporate any milk solids back into the mixture.

3. 3.Prepare Sweetener

   Take 5 tablespoons of rock sugar (ghangra sakar) and crush it into a coarse powder using a mortar and pestle. If using granulated sugar, this step is not needed.

4. 4.Add Sweetener and Flavorings

   Once the milk has reduced, add the crushed rock sugar to the pan. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Then, add 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder and 1/4 teaspoon of yellow food color (or a pinch of turmeric/saffron). Mix well until the color is evenly distributed.

5. 5.Incorporate Coconut

   Add 1.5 cups of desiccated coconut to the milk mixture. Stir continuously for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens considerably and starts to leave the sides of the pan. The mixture should become a thick, dough-like consistency.

6. 6.Adjust Color (Optional)

   If the color is not vibrant enough, you can add another pinch of yellow food color and mix it thoroughly into the thickened mixture.

7. 7.Cool and Add Ghee

   Turn off the heat and transfer the mixture to a large plate to cool slightly. Once it's warm enough to handle, add 1 tablespoon of ghee and mix it thoroughly into the mixture. This will add shine and aroma to the laddus.

8. 8.Add Dry Fruits and Shape

   Add 1 tablespoon of chopped pistachios to the mixture and mix well. Grease your hands with a little ghee and take small portions of the mixture. Roll them gently between your palms to form smooth, round laddus. The mixture will be soft, but it will set as it cools.

9. 9.Garnish and Serve

   Arrange the prepared laddus on a serving plate. Garnish each laddu with a few pistachio slivers. These delicious coconut milk laddus are now ready to be offered to Lord Ganesha or enjoyed as a sweet treat!