Heat 1 teaspoon ghee in a pan, add 8 broken cashew nuts.

Fry them stirring often until they turn golden. Remove these to a plate and set aside.

To the same pan, add grated coconut, milk and sugar.

If using desiccated coconut set the pan aside for 15 minutes for the coconut to absorb the milk and soften.

Mix all of the ingredients well.

Begin to cook till the coconut ladoo mixture thickens and all the moisture evaporates completely.

The mixture must still be moist and not dry.

Add cardamom powder and nuts. Mix well. Cool the mixture slightly.

When it comes down to warm temperature, take small portions of this to your palm and press down with your fingers to bind the mixture. This gives the round shape coconut ladoos. (Check video)

When they are still warm and moist you can also roll the ladoos in desiccated coconut.

Store coconut laddu in an airtight jar and refrigerate. Use within 5 to 7 days.

To a pan, add 1½ cups desiccated coconut, ¼ tsp cardamom powder and ½ cup + 2 tablespoons condensed milk.

Mix up all of these and cook on a low flame stirring often. Taste test and If needed add more condensed milk for more sweetness.

Cook stirring continuously, till the mixture thickens and turns to a mass. (check step-by-step photos above for consistency)

Turn off the stove. At this stage the coconut ladoo mixture must be still moist. If you overcook then the ladoos will turn hard.

Cool and add chopped pistachios. When it is still warm, take small portions of this mixture to your palms and press down with your fingers to give a round shape to the coconut ladoos.

Cool these completely. Store in a air tight box and refrigerate. Use up within a week.

Heat 1 tsp ghee and fry cashews. Remove and keep them aside. In the same pan, mix together fresh coconut and grated jaggery in a pan.

Once the jaggery melts, taste test and add more if needed. Cook until the mixture smells good , turns thick & binds together.

Add cardamoms and fried nuts. Cool down and roll to balls.

Store coconut laddus in a air tight jar and store at room temperature. Use up within 7 days.