Rava Naral Ladoo (Semolina and Coconut Ladoo)

Ingredients: 2 cups semolina (ideally the fine kind), 1 1/2 cups shredded fresh coconut, 2 cups sugar (if sugar is less sweet add 1/4 cup more), 1 cup water to make sugar syrup, 1 cup ghee (melted), Raisins (handful) and Crushed Cardamom 4-5 pods

Method: Roast semolina in ghee over medium heat till its golden brown. Add coconut to semolina and keep roasting for 10-12 minutes. Simultaneously when you are roasting the rava, make 1 string syrup by combine sugar and water in a thick bottomed pan. Add this to the roasted rava and coconut mixture. Mix thoroughly and keep aside. Keep mixing it after every 20 mins. The mixture will become slightly thick in about 1-2 hrs. Add raisins and mix in the cardamom powder - you can add chopped cashews or almonds too. Shape the mixture into balls of desired size. Store them in an airtight container and enjoy your yummy Ladoos!

Tips: How to make One String Sugar Syrup: Take 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water and boil in thick bottom pan. As the solution starts to thicken (If you are lucky enough to check with a  thermometer - between 230-234°F) put a drop of the syrup on a plate and touch it with your finger (be really careful and allow it to cool a wee bit before you touch as your hand could burn). Then touch 2 fingers together and try to pull them apart. If you see a single solid sting forming, your syrup has reached 'One String Consistency'.

I am sending this off to: Tickling Palates, Kirthi's Kitchen (started by ohtastensee)  and Yummy food and Mharo Rajasthan's Recipes: A veggie/fruit a month event - Coconut.