This healthier, paleo-friendly coconut mithai is creamy, milky, and sweet – with softened ghee-coated cashew pieces spread throughout. Just one piece will satisfy the sweet tooth, as it’s made with ghee and coconut oil.
Coconut mithai is very simple to make – you only need a handful of ingredients. I use ghee and coconut oil to give this dessert a decadent, buttery taste that complements the dessert’s overall coconut flavor.
What is mithai?
Mithai means “sweets;” there’s a wide variety of South Asian sweets, nearly none of them paleo-friendly. The great thing is that with a few adjustments, they can be made into healthier, paleo-friendly treats (try my healthier carrot mithai or my Indian date fudge).
Mithai is an integral part of Indian festivals and special occasions. I’m pretty sure I ate my weight in mithai when Roby and I got married a year and a half ago (October 2012). In fact, here’s one of my favorite pictures of my husband during our engagement ceremony – his mouth stuffed with mithai (ladoo, to be specific).
You don’t need to wait for a special occasion to make this healthier mithai. Just a piece will make any day a little extra special 🙂
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely shredded dehydrated coconut
- 2 tablespoons ghee divided
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 cup of coconut cream put a can of full-fat unsweetened coconut milk in the fridge overnight, scoop out and use the cream that solidifies on top
- 3-5 tablespoons honey adjust to taste
- 10 cardamom pods use seeds and freshly grind
- 10 cashews roughly chopped
Instructions
- In a pan on medium heat, add 1 tablespoon ghee and the chopped cashews. Once the cashews turn golden brown, set them aside.
- Add another 1 tablespoon of ghee to the pan and then add the shredded coconut. Stir-fry for a minute and then set the coconut aside.
- Reduce heat to low, then add the coconut cream, honey, cardamom powder, and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to the pan. Once melted, add the shredded coconut and cashew pieces back in.
- Mix well then spread the mixture on a plate or in a small pan.
- Put it in the fridge and chill for 2 hours, then slice and serve.
judy says
I had only put 1 can of coconut milk in the fridge and I only got about 1/2 cup of cream out of it..next time I’ll either get the coconut cream can or put 2 cans in the fridge. I didn’t have the dehydrated coconut so I just used normal shredded coconut. It came out as a thick pudding or custard consistency, but the taste was great. I’d probably use unsweet shredded coconut next time. Reminds me of a south indian, payasam.
Liese says
Can you use Coconut Cream, [i have some in my pantry], itself or do you have to have it from the separated can?
Sumo Ramen Recipes says
I love coconut and can’t wait to try this coconut mithai recipe out!
Ericka says
I would love to follow you on twitter but it says your account does not exists, Either way looking forward to trying this.
My Heart Beets says
Hi Ericka, sorry about that – I just got the username that I want! @myheartbeets 🙂 I’ve fixed the form.
Cynthia says
Sounds great! I like the nuts added to break up all that sweetness.
Susan Broughton says
I think this looks like it would be so good! I would really like to try it!
Salma ibrahi says
Hi, love this recipe! Will make it as soon as I get the coconut milk!
There seems to be a problem for me when I’m trying to enter the giveaway. I did all three requirements but still cannot enter. Can u pls enter my name for me? Thanks a lot!
Salma ibrahim says
My full name as entered on instagram n face book is salma Ibrahim
Elizabeth G. says
I love anything coconut! I’ll be making this recipe today. Thanks for sharing!
Maggie says
another delicious recipe 😀 can’t wait to try it.
Vicki says
Going to have to try this recipe!
Karen D says
Can;t really enter, because mandatory Instagram, which I cannot do because I can’t afford a cell (much less a smart) phone & the needed contract for services. 🙁
My Heart Beets says
Karen, no worries thank you for letting me know. If you win I’ll waive the instagram requirement for you 🙂
Chris says
Would love to try this!
Heather Brandt says
I love that you create wonderful Indian-inspired recipes that are safe & healthy for me to eat!
monica says
Yum!! Added to my short list of recipes to try!
Jessica P. says
I love coconut products, and cashews. I will definitely need to try this. Maybe this weekend 🙂 i’ll make it with my mom!
Nina says
Making these for my father this weekend! A little belated birthday treat now that he isn’t eating any grains 🙂
Kim says
How have I not discovered this blog sooner?! Everything looks sooooo good!!!
Andi says
Thanks Ash! These look awesome!! 🙂
Mary Ann says
I am definitely going to make this. The coconut ghee looks great also.
Maria Molinaro says
I’m obsessed with coconut…this recipe is a must!! 🙂
Bambi says
Sounds rich and flavorful! Thanks!
Pamela Schneider says
this is a “MUST Make as soon as possible” recipe!
Lori P says
this sounds awesome!
Samantha says
I absolutely am going to make this….I love the use of cardamom spice in recipes. This looks delicious. Thank you.
Tracey says
Thanks for the recipe. These look amazing. One question ~ if I wanted to make these vegan, do you think I could safely swap out the honey and use maple syrup? Something else? Thanks!
My Heart Beets says
Tracey, I think maple syrup will work just fine 🙂 If you make these, let me know how they turn out for you!
Norita Bridges says
can’t wait to try
Julie says
Will definitely be making this recipe….delicious!!
Shauna Z says
This looks great! I’ve been looking for recipes just like this – simple, quick, diet friendly
ヾ(@^▽^@)ノ
Lynn Parks says
Sounds delicious. Looks like I need to replenish my ghee…I have everything else!
Susan M. says
Mmm, these look scrumptious! Can’t wait to make them soon… Thank you for posting the recipe and for offering an amazing giveaway. I have been wanting to try the PrimalFat from Pure Indian Foods. Ghee is such an amazing food with so many wonderful benefits. Wish I had known about the health benefits of ghee years ago.
Eirinn says
Ooh, this looks delicious! ^_^
Adhara says
Hi, can I use coconut oil instead of coconut ghee? What about regular ghee? Thanks!
My Heart Beets says
Adhara, if you don’t have coconut ghee you can use regular ghee or coconut oil – either works. Let me know how this turns out for you!
Faith says
I made it yesterday with just straight ghee. It didn’t set up as well (was very loose, almost pudding-like, which I suspected might happen) but was still 100% DELICIOUS. My husband, who doesn’t usually care for coconut desserts, wanted to eat the whole pan. (He also said “this tastes just like gajar ka halwa! But, uh, without the gajar…” Funny man. 😛 )
My Heart Beets says
Faith, I’m glad you and your hubby liked it! 🙂 And, you can’t go wrong with ghee, yum!
Cait C says
I have already shared this recipe with my best friend and we are planning on making it. Cardamom is so delicious and I love everything about this easy recipe! Thank you!
Stacy says
This looks so yummy. Going to make soon. Pinned it!
Vanessa says
I’m adding these to my list Sweets on Pinterest. They look yummy!
Karen@NourishWithKaren says
This looks amazing! Going to pin it and share it!! Thanks so much!