Durga Puja is officially over. Today is Bijoya Dashami – the last day of Durga Puja. Traditionally, after the immersion of Devi Durga and her children, people visit their elders and pay respect by touching their feet. Peers shake hands and do ‘kolakuli’ – which is a kind of a hug. Elders treat everyone who comes to visit with goodies like Nimki (fried dough) and Naru (Coconut balls) It is the time for more mishti/mithai/sweets. So I made some Narkol Naru (though they look more like pedas) and kicked it up a notch by topping it with Chocolate Ganache. A mouthful of yumminess it was!
Ingredients:
- Shredded Coconut – 1 1/4 Cups
- Sugar – 1/2 Cup
- Milk – 1 Cup + 1/2
- Chocolate Chip – 3/4 (I used semi sweet)
- Cardamom – 5 or 6, crushed
- Milk Powder – 1 tbsp (optional)
- Instant Coffee Powder – a pinch
- Ghee – 1 tsp
In a pan, heat the ghee and add the crushed cardamom. Once fragrant add the coconut and toast it to your desired preference. Keep stirring or the coconut will burn. Throw in the sugar, stir and once it starts caramelizing add the milk and milk powder. Cook till the milk evaporates. Make sure that you keep stirring continuously. Take it off the heat and shape it in your desired shape. I shaped some in mini muffin liners and made some square ones too.
Using the double boiler system or in the microwave, melt the chocolate, pinch of coffee and milk (use a little more if required). Use spatula to stir the chocolate ganache till it turns smooth and shiny. Now add dollops of chocolate ganache on top of the shaped narus.
Let it cool down completely and serve. I garnished it with some toasted coconut flakes.
Subho Bijoya! Happy Dussera!