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Rediff.com  » Getahead » Food » Craving for something sweet? Try these coconut recipes

Craving for something sweet? Try these coconut recipes

August 06, 2017 16:11 IST
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Now that the coconut has won its title back as a tree, you may want to try out some coconut recipes. 

Good news! Coconut may soon be declared as the state tree of Goa.   

Earlier, it was classified as a palm tree in Goa, due to which it was prone to indiscriminate felling.

But just this week, the Goa Cabinet has approved an amendment to re-classify coconut as a tree.

Moreover, it has also been resolved to declare coconut as the state tree. 

On that note, here are some recipes that you can try over the weekend.

Coconut Ice Squares

Coconut ice squares recipe

Photograph: Kind Courtesy jamieanne/Creative Commons 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups freshly grated coconut/ desiccated coconut
  • 2 cups sugar (powdered)
  • 2 cups milk
  • Rose essence
  • Food colour (preferably pink)

Method:

  • Heat milk in a pan.
  • Add sugar in the pan and keep stirring till it dissolves. Add grated coconut and stir well.
  • Reduce the flame and keep stirring till the mixture thickens.
  • Remove from flame. Add few drops of rose essence.
  • At this point, you can make two equal batches of this mixture and add food colour to just one batch to get a layered effect. Let it cool.
  • Take a flat-bottom plate and grease it with butter/ghee.
  • Pour the mixture on the plate and even it out with the back of a greased spoon. You can sprinkle icing sugar on top.
  • If you are using two batches, first pour the mixture without the food colour and then pour the coloured batch over it.
  • Allow to set for a few hours by refrigerating it.
  • Once it has cooled, remove it, cut into small squares and serve.

Coconut Payesh by Surupa Sengupta

Coconut Payesh

Photograph: Coconut Payesh by Surupa Sengupta. Kind courtesy thefoodiesrecipes.blogspot.in

Ingredients

  • 1/2 litre milk (doubled toned)
  • 4 to 5 tbsp of basmati rice
  • 200 gm condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup desiccated coconut

For garnish (optional)

  • Few slices of cherries and apple
  • 3 to 4 almonds

Method

  • Bring milk to boil.
  • Add washed rice and simmer the flame.
  • Cook for 5 to 6 minutes stirring occasionally so that the rice doesn't crumble or stick to the bottom.
  • Switch off the gas and let it rest for half an hour.
  • Switch on the flame and stir for few minutes.
  • At this stage add condensed milk and cook for 5 minutes stirring continuously.
  • Remove from gas and add the desiccated coconut. Mix well with the payasam and allow it to cool.
  • When it comes to room temperature refrigerate it.
  • Garnish with few chopped almonds, cherries and sliced apple.
  • Serve cold.

Coconut Barfi

coconut barfi

Photograph: Divya Kudua/Creative Commons

Ingredients

  • 2 full cups of freshly grated coconut
  • 1 1/2 tbsp clarified butter (ghee)
  • 1 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cardamom (elaichi), crushed

Method

  • Heat the clarified butter (ghee) in a pan on a medium flame.
  • Add the grated coconuts and sauté for 2 minutes.
  • Now add sugar stir the mixture till the sugar melts.
  • Keep stirring and cook till all the moisture gets absorbed and the mixture forms a lump. (It will take 6-7 minutes).
  • Switch off the flame. Add crushed cardamom and mix well.
  • Now grease any plate or tray with ghee and transfer the coconut mixture on it.
  • Spread it evenly and let it cool.
  • Cut it into square shapes or any shape of your choice with a knife.
  • Your quick, easy and tasty Coconut Barfi is ready!
  • You can store it in air tight container for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • Adjust the sugar quantity according to your taste.
  • Cook on a medium flame otherwise the coconut will not get cooked properly or may get burnt.
  • If you want pure white barfi then scrape off the brown part of coconut before grating.
  • I scraped off the brown part gave it a quick go in the mixer.
  • I avoid using a grater as it takes a lot of effort and time.
  • You can garnish the barfi with your choice of dry fruits like almonds, pistachios etc.

Dear Readers, you can share your special coconut recipes with us.

E-mail the recipes and a picture of the dish, if you have one, to getahead@rediff.co.in (subject: Christmas Recipes) with your NAME and HOMETOWN, and we'll feature the best ones right here on Rediff.com. 

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