Few treats embody the spirit of Bengali celebrations quite like Narkel Naru. This traditional coconut sweet, known for its delightful sweetness and rich coconut taste, is a must-have during festivals such as Durga Puja, Diwali, and other special events. Made with care and a few simple ingredients, Narkel Naru is more than just a dessert; it evokes a sense of nostalgia for many.

Whether you have roots in Bengal or are just beginning to explore the world of Indian sweets, this straightforward Narkel Naru recipe will walk you through the process of making this delightful, chewy coconut treat in your own kitchen. Let’s explore this classic recipe and add a bit of tradition to your dining experience!

Basic outline

Introduction
Ingredients
- For sugar narkel naru
- For gur narkel naru
Step by step process
- Preparing naru with sugar
- Preparing naru with gur
Cooking tips
Serving and variations
Health benefits
conclusion
FAQ'S

What is narkel naru recipe?

Narkel Naru, a beloved traditional Bengali coconut sweet, is especially popular during Durga Puja and various celebrations in Bengal and other regions of Eastern India. This delightful treat, crafted from coconut and either sugar or jaggery, holds a cherished spot in Bengali homes, where it is often prepared from scratch with great care and affection. It boasts a sweet, rich flavor and an enticing aroma, featuring a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. In this guide, we’ll explore how to make Narkel Naru in two different ways—using sugar and jaggery (referred to as “gur” in Bengali).

Let’s delve into the ingredients, step-by-step preparation methods, helpful tips, serving suggestions, variations, health benefits, and address some frequently asked questions.

Traditional Treats: How to Create Authentic Bengali Narkel Naru at Home

Ingredients for Narkel Naru

With Sugar:

- Grated Coconut: 2 cups (for the best flavor, use freshly grated)

- Sugar: 1 cup (feel free to adjust according to your taste)

- Green Cardamom: 3-4 pods (crushed)

- Milk powder: 3 tsp

With Jaggery (Gur):

- Grated Coconut: 2 cups (freshly grated is ideal)

- Jaggery: 1 cup, either grated or powdered (adjust to your preference)

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Making Narkel Naru with Sugar

Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients

1. Start by grating fresh coconut. Freshly grated coconut will give you the best flavor, but if you're in a bind, desiccated coconut can work too.

Grated Coconut

2. Set aside about 2 cups of grated coconut.

3. Crush the cardamom pods to release their fragrant aroma, which will enhance the Narkel Naru.

Step 2. Cook the Coconut and Sugar Mixture:

1. In a thick-bottomed pan, combine the grated coconut and sugar alongwith some water.

Adding and mixing sugar and grated coconut

2. Set the heat to medium-low and allow the sugar to dissolve while stirring gently. As it begins to melt, you'll notice the mixture becoming sticky.

Step 3. Simmer the Mixture:

1. Keep cooking on low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.

Cooking the mixture by stirring

2. The mixture will thicken as the sugar caramelizes slightly. This process should take about 10-15 minutes.

3. Add three teaspoon of milk powder to enhance the flavour.

Adding 3tsp of milk powder

Step 4. Add Cardamom Powder:

When the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the pan, incorporate the crushed cardamom powder to enhance the aroma. Mix thoroughly.

Adding crushed cardamom powder

Step 5. Check for the Right Consistency:

1. The mixture is ready when it becomes sticky and forms a cohesive mass.

2. You can test this by taking a small amount and rolling it between your fingers—if it holds together, it’s good to go.

Step 6. Shape into Balls:

1. Take the mixture off the heat and allow it to cool slightly until it’s manageable.

Cooling the mixture before preparing naru

2. Take small portions and roll them in your palms to create small round balls (about 1 inch in diameter). This is the traditional shape for Narkel Naru.

Preparing the Narkel Naru with Sugar as balls

Step 7. Cool and Store:

After shaping all the balls, let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container, where they will remain fresh for up to a week.

Making Narkel Naru with Jaggery (Gur)

Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients:

Grate fresh coconut and jaggery. The unique flavor of jaggery adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the Narkel Naru. You can also use crushed cardamom pods as well.

Step 2. Mix the Jaggery:

1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, take the grated coconut.

Taking grated coconut in a heavy-bottomed pan

2. combine the grated jaggery with the grated coconut.

Adding jaggery and mixing with the grated coconut

3. Cook it over low heat, stirring constantly. Be cautious not to overheat, as jaggery can burn quickly.

Cooking the mixture on low heat by occasional stirring

Step 3. Cook Until Thickened:

1. Stir continuously to ensure the coconut is well-coated with the jaggery.

2. Keep cooking the mixture on a low flame, stirring often until it thickens.

Cooking the mixture

3. The jaggery mixture will reduce, and it’s ready when it pulls away from the pan and can be easily rolled.

Step 4. Shape into Balls:

1. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Cooling the mixture before preparing naru

2. Once it’s cool enough to handle, roll the mixture into small, round balls.

Prepared Narkel Naru with Jaggery as balls

Step 5. Cool and Store:

Allow the Narkel Naru to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about a week.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

- Fresh Coconut is Key: Using freshly grated coconut enhances both the flavor and texture. If you opt for frozen or desiccated coconut, make sure to thaw and hydrate it first to maximize the taste.

- Cook Slowly: Maintain a low flame to prevent burning the coconut or caramelizing the sugar/jaggery too quickly.

- Avoid Overcooking: Remove the mixture from heat as soon as it thickens. Overcooking can result in Narkel Naru becoming too hard.

- Grease Hands for Shaping: A light coating of ghee on your hands can help with shaping and reduce sticking.

- Consistency Check: For the ideal consistency, the mixture should be rollable into balls without crumbling. If it feels too sticky, allow it to cool a bit longer.

Traditional Treats: How to Create Authentic Bengali Narkel Naru at Home

Cooking Suggestions and Serving Tips

- Serve Warm or Cold: Narkel Naru can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Many prefer it warm for a softer texture.

- Pair with Tea or Coffee: This delightful treat goes perfectly with a cup of chai or coffee.

- Festive Presentation: Present Narkel Naru in small decorative bowls for a festive touch, especially during celebrations or gatherings.

Other recipes from my blog

Variations to Try

- Add Nuts: Consider incorporating chopped nuts such as almonds, cashews, or pistachios to enhance the crunch and flavor.

- Add Khoya: Stir in a small amount of khoya (milk solids) for a richer taste and a denser texture.

- Experiment with Flavors: For a contemporary twist, try adding a pinch of saffron or a few drops of rose essence to the mixture.

- Chocolate Coating: For a fun fusion recipe, dip the Narkel Naru in melted chocolate and allow it to set. This variation is particularly popular among children.

Traditional Treats: How to Create Authentic Bengali Narkel Naru at Home

Health Benefits of Narkel Naru

1. Good Source of Healthy Fats: Coconut is abundant in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are recognized for their energy-boosting effects and easy digestibility.

2. Mineral-Rich: Coconut provides essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron, contributing positively to bone health.

3. Antioxidants: Jaggery is especially rich in antioxidants, which can assist in detoxifying the body.

4. Supports Digestion: Both coconut and jaggery possess natural properties that can promote digestion and alleviate constipation.

5. Natural Sweetener Option: Opting for jaggery instead of sugar offers a more natural sweetness along with additional nutrients.

Nutrition Facts

*All the values are approximate averages.

Per serving of both narkel naru together(20g)
calories	210kcal
Total fat	10g
Saturated Fat	0g
Magnesium	5mg
Potassium	25mg
total carbohydrates	29g
dietary fiber	4g

sugars	16g
protein	2g
Sodium	6mg
Vitamin B	0.02mg
Vitamin C	0.02mg
Vitamin A	700IU
Vitamin E	0.02mg
Calcium	250mg
Vitamin K	15mcg
Iron	0.5mg

Conclusion

Narkel Naru, a beloved Bengali sweet, offers a delightful taste of tradition in every bite. Whether you opt for sugar to achieve a lighter sweetness or jaggery for a deeper, caramel-like flavor, this coconut ball treat is bound to satisfy any taste. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this delicious dessert, perfect for festivals, family gatherings, or simply as a sweet snack any day of the week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Narkel Naru without fresh coconut?

Absolutely! You can substitute desiccated or frozen coconut if fresh coconut isn't available. Just be sure to rehydrate the desiccated coconut a bit for a softer texture.

A lover of Indian food would know that paneer is the Indian cottage cheese used in many vegetarian dishes. Paneer can be made in many ways. Among them, we have Niramish Paneer, that is, "paneer without onions and garlic."

Basic outline

Introduction
Ingredients

For the masala paste
For fried dry masala
For the gravy
Paneer marination

Method of preparation

Paneer Marination
Cashew poppy seeds paste
Preparing fried masala
Frying paneer
Preparation of the Gravy
Finishing the Dish
Garnishing and Serving

Serving Suggestions
Tips for Perfecting dish
Variations
Health benefits
Conclusion
FAQ'S

What is Niramish Paneer recipe?

This is a recipe where curd, cashews, poppy seeds, and tomato puree are used to make a rich and scrumptious dish. Whether you're avoiding onions and garlic because you're feeling religious or just because you hate onions and garlic, this recipe will make your taste buds much happier.

In this article, we guide you through step by step how to make this tasty Niramish Paneer recipe using only wholesome ingredients; we have created tips and variations, explore its health benefits and answer some of your frequently asked questions about this scrumptious delicacy.

Niramish Paneer Recipe: Elevate Your Culinary Skills with This Traditional Indian Dish

Ingredients:

Here's the list of ingredients you'll need to make Niramish Paneer:

For the masala paste:

Cashews – 10-12 pieces (soaked in warm water for 15-20 minutes)
Poppy Seeds – 1 tablespoon (soaked in warm water for 10 minutes)
Sliced Tomatoes – 2 tomatoes (preferably fresh for better taste)
Ginger – 1-inch piece (grated or finely chopped)
Green Chilies – 3 pieces

For fried dry masala:

Cumin Seeds – 1 teaspoon
Coriander Seeds – 1 tsp
Black Pepper – 1 tsp
Dry Red Chilies – 3

For the Gravy:

Paneer (Cottage Cheese) – 200 grams (cut into cubes)
Curd (Yogurt) – wishked ½ cup(optional)
Green Chilies – 3- 4(slit)
Garam Masala Powder – ½ teaspoon
Turmeric Powder – ¼ tsp
Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) – 1 tsp (optional)
Cooking oil –
Ghee (Clarified Butter) – 1 tsp
Fresh Cream – 2 tbsp for garnish (optional)
Salt to taste
Sugar – ½ tsp
Cinnamon, cardamom and cloves

Paneer Marination (Optional)

Curd (Yogurt) – 2 tbsp
Red Chili Powder – ½ tsp
Turmeric Powder – ¼ tsp
Salt – A pinch

Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Paneer Marination (Optional)

1. After the paneer has been cut into small pieces, to marinate the paneer (optional) you first need to mix curd and then add red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and the same in order as mentioned in the previous step and keep it aside for some time.

2. Marinating paneer is optional, but it does lend a rich flavoring to the dish. Mix curd, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.

3. Add the paneer cubes to the above mixture; gently mix it without any lumps, and the mixture must coat each piece. Keep this aside for nearly 20 minutes.

Step 2: Cashew-poppy seed paste

1. Meanwhile, prepare the creamy base for the gravy. Drain the soaked cashews and poppy seeds and cut two large tomatoes and peel the skin off.

2. transfer them to the blender with ginger and green chilies. Add just enough water to grind it into a smooth paste.

Grinding tomatoes green chilies ginger cashews and poppy seeds

3. The paste will add your Niramish Paneer that velvety and creamy texture.

4. Fresh tomatoes always give a better flavor to the dish, but as a last resort, you can use store-bought puree.

Step 3: Prepare a dry masala

1. Add 3 dry red chillies alongwith coriander seeds on a hot dry pan and stir it.

Frying dry red chillies and coriander seeds on a hot dry pan

2. Add 1 tsp black pepper and 1 tsp cumin seeds and stir all the masalas together. And grind them into a fine powder.

Adding black peppercorns and cumin seeds for frying

Step 4: Fry the Paneer

1. Heat 2 tbsp of cooking oil and add 1 tsp of ghee in a pan.

Heating cooking oil and ghee

2. Add the marinated paneer cubes or normal paneer cubes once the ghee and oil is hot. Fry them on medium heat till they turn golden brown all over.

Adding the paneer for frying

3. Remove and set aside on a plate lined with a paper towel to drain excess ghee.

4. In the same way fry the potatoes with some salt until they turn golden brown(optional).

Frying the potatoes in same oil

Step 5: Preparation of the Gravy

1. Heat another tablespoon of oil or use the same oil in the same pan. Once it is hot, add cinnamon, cloves and cardamom, Let them crackle.

Adding cinnamon cardamom and cloves in the same oil

2. Reduce the flame and add the cashews, poppy seeds, tomatoes, green chilies and ginger paste. Add some water and continue stirring so that no lumps come and allow the gravy to get thick .

Adding the cashew-poppy tomatoes and ginger-green chilies paste and water

3. Cook for 4-5 minutes till the oil starts to separate from the sides.

4. Now add turmeric powder, salt and sugar. Mix well so that the spices infuse into the the paste(cachews, tomatoes, green chilies, ginger and poppy seeds). And cover the pan and let it cook.

Adding turmeric powder salt and sugar

5. Open the cover and in the boiling gravy add the fried potatoes and cook together(optional).

Adding the fried potatoes in the gravy

6. Add the fried dry masala prepared earlier, stir together with the gravy.

Adding the fried masala prepared earlier

7. Now add whisked curd, being cautious that it should not become curdly. Stir the curd in the mixture and allow it to get cooked for a few minutes so that the gravy becomes smooth(optional).

8. Add slices of capsicum and tomatoes and mix together with the gravy and potatoes.

Adding chopped skin of tomatoes and capsicum

Step 6:Finishing the Dish

1. Add the fried paneer cubes to the gravy and mix softly so that the paneer is well covered by the sauce.

Adding the fried paneer in the gravy

2. Add the garam masala powder and salt as required. Add 3 to 4 green chilies(slited). If using kasuri methi, crush between the palms and add at this stage for added depth.

Adding garam masala and splited green chilies

3. Let the paneer simmer on the gravy for almost 5 minutes to get the flavors well combined.

Ready! niramish Paneer recipe

Step 7: Garnishing and Serving

1. Since this dish is best when it's served fresh, pour some fresh cream over the paneer immediately before serving to give it a great rich finish(optional).

2. Fresh chopped coriander leaves make an excellent garnish for the dish(optional).

How to serve?

1. Niramish Paneer goes wonderfully well with naan, roti, or paratha. If you really feel like indulging yourself, serve jeera rice or pulao with it.

2. Serve it with some raita or a light salad to temper the richness of the dish.

3. Also, you can serve it with papad and pickle for a pure Indian food experience.

Niramish Paneer Recipe: Elevate Your Culinary Skills with This Traditional Indian Dish

Tips to Achieve Perfect Niramish Paneer:

1. Fresh Paneer: Fresh paneer will always give a softer texture. Use store-bought paneer and soak it in warm water for 10 minutes before you use it.

2. Whisk the Curd: To avoid curd from split while cooking, whisk it properly and add it always on low heat.

3. Fry Paneer with caution: Over-frying paneer will make it hard. Light golden color is enough to give a nice texture without losing its softness.

4. Creamy Gravy: The cashew and poppy seed paste gives the dish its creamy texture. You can substitute poppy seeds with melon seeds if unavailable.

5. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the number of green chilies or the quantity of red chili powder.

Other recipes from my blog

Variations of Niramish Paneer:

1. Tomatoes: One can avoid the tomato puree and use curd as a base for a milder version.

2. Addition of Vegetables: Addition of vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or baby corn will make it a wholesome meal.

3. Paneer Kofta: This can also be turned into a kofta curry by shaping small balls of paneer with some boiled potatoes, frying them and then adding them into the gravy.

4. Vegan Version: Replace paneer with tofu and replace ghee with oil or vegan butter to create a vegan version of this recipe.

Niramish Paneer Recipe: Elevate Your Culinary Skills with This Traditional Indian Dish

Health Benefits of Niramish Paneer

1. High in Protein: Paneer is high in protein, hence it helps to build and repair tissues, and it's the reason why it is the best option among the vegetarians.

2. Source of Healthy Fat: This includes ghee, which contains healthy fats, and one gets it easily digested.

3. Calcium Boost: The curd used in the dish is rich in calcium, which is much needed in building bones, especially in children and old people.

4. Gut Health: The use of curd in this recipe adds probiotics that are very good for gut health.

5. Nutrient-Dense: Cashews and poppy seeds add richness to the dish, and they also happen to be a very good source of magnesium, zinc, and iron.

Nutrition Facts

*All the values are approximate averages.

Per 1 serving of niramish paneer recipe
calories	380kcal
Total fat	28g
Saturated Fat	12g
Magnesium	60mg
Potassium	300mg
total carbohydrates	14g
dietary fiber	3g

sugars	6g
protein	18g
Phosphorus	200mg
Vitamin B6	0.2mg
Vitamin C	12mg
Vitamin A	700IU
Vitamin E	4mg
Calcium	250mg
Vitamin K	15mcg
Iron	4mg

Conclusion:

Niramish Paneer is such a beautifully satisfying dish with rich ingredients and subtle flavors. If it is some special occasion or just a comforting dinner for the family, the onions and garlic-free paneer is sure to wow. Cashews, poppy seeds, and curd make for a luscious gravy in which the paneer gets indulged perfectly to bring about a delightful culinary experience.

FAQs:

Can I avoid the curd of this recipe?

Yes, if you do not want to use the curd, then fresh cream or even coconut milk may be taken in place of it for a different taste.

Fat 12g	15.3%
Saturated fat 0g
Magnesium 15mg	3.5%
Potassium 150mg	3.1%
Carbohydrates 8g	2.9%
Fiber 1.2g	4.2%
Sugars 4g	0.04%
Protein 12g	24%
Sodium 200g	8.6%
Vitamin B2 0.4mg	0.04%
vitamin C 13mg	14.4%
Vitamin A 250IU	27%
Vitamin D 20IU	100%
Calcium 80mg	6.15%
Zinc 0.8mg	7.2%
Iron 1.2mg	6.6%

Desserts

Desserts

Cakes

Cakes

Appetizer

APPETIZER

Curries

Curries

Posto

Posto

Rice

Rice

Basic outline

About Bihari-Style Egg Curry

Ingredients for Bihari-Style Egg Curry

For the Curry Base:

Spices:

Optional Garnish:

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Eggs

Step 2: Infuse Garlic and Prepare the Base

Step 3: Assemble the Curry

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Step 5: Finish with Garnish

Perfecting the Recipe

Serving Suggestions:

Variations:

Health Benefits

Nutrition Facts

Egg Curry Recipe

Conclusion

FAQs

Can I use fried onions bought in stores for this recipe?

Basic outline

What is narkel naru recipe?

Ingredients for Narkel Naru

With Sugar:

With Jaggery (Gur):

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Making Narkel Naru with Sugar

Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients

Step 2. Cook the Coconut and Sugar Mixture:

Step 3. Simmer the Mixture:

Step 4. Add Cardamom Powder:

Step 5. Check for the Right Consistency:

Step 6. Shape into Balls:

Step 7. Cool and Store:

Making Narkel Naru with Jaggery (Gur)

Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients:

Step 2. Mix the Jaggery:

Step 3. Cook Until Thickened:

Step 4. Shape into Balls:

Step 5. Cool and Store:

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Cooking Suggestions and Serving Tips

Other recipes from my blog

Variations to Try

Health Benefits of Narkel Naru

Nutrition Facts

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Basic outline

What is Niramish Paneer recipe?

Ingredients:

For the masala paste:

For fried dry masala:

For the Gravy:

Paneer Marination (Optional)

Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Paneer Marination (Optional)

Step 2: Cashew-poppy seed paste

Step 3: Prepare a dry masala

Step 4: Fry the Paneer

Step 5: Preparation of the Gravy

Step 6:Finishing the Dish

Step 7: Garnishing and Serving

How to serve?

Tips to Achieve Perfect Niramish Paneer:

Variations of Niramish Paneer:

Health Benefits of Niramish Paneer