Rich and Creamy Naaral Wadi (Coconut fudge)

Back in India, there is a huge coconut tree in our garden. My grandparents planted this tree in the early 60s and it is still standing strong. It always had a massive yield and still does today. We probably never had to buy coconuts. My grandmother had a sweet tooth... a real big one :) and she always made naaral wadi. It is such a delicious sweet. Naaral wadi or coconut fudge is made by boiling a mixture of coconut, sugar and milk. The mixture is then poured on to a cookie sheet and squares are cut once it cools down.

Ingredients:
(makes about 15-20 squares of 2"x2")
1 cup shredded coconut (frozen or fresh)
1 cup half and half/ whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp cardamom powder
A few strands of saffron (optional)


To make naaral wadi, mix coconut, milk and sugar. You need to stir the mixture almost constantly until it cooks. As the mixture heats up, milk will start boiling. If you want to add saffron add it once the milk starts to boil. Saffron gives it a nice flavor and color. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes thicker. As the milk starts to condense, the mixture becomes creamier. Just a heads up: As the milk starts to boil and mixture starts to thicken, it will start splattering vigorously.

Now turn the heat off , let the mixture cool down a little, and add powdered sugar and cardamom powder, and mix well. This will thicken the mix further. Grease the cookie sheet or place a plastic wrap on the sheet and pour the mixture. Roll it out or press it with your fingers to a desired uniform thickness and then cut into squares.