Goan Coconut Cookies, or Bolinhas de Coco, are a traditional and signature treat in Goan dessert making. As Goan and Portuguese cultures are strongly tied historically, this dessert shows the great fusion of both cuisines. These are sweet and smoothly tasting cookies with a unique flavor that combines traditional Indian cardamom and coconut. Bolinhas de Coco are pretty simple and easy to make, and are perfect for cooking up a batch at any time as they are always sure to impress.

Ingredients:
2 cups grated coconut
1.5 cups semolina
1.5 cups sugar
A pinch of salt
2 tablespoons ghee (you can also use butter if you don’t have ghee)
2 eggs
10 pods of cardamom, powdered
3 tablespoons maida flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

Directions:
1) In a saucepan on medium heat, make a sugar syrup by heating the sugar in 1/2 a cup of water.
2) Add the semolina and shredded coconut to the sugar syrup and mix it well.
3) Now add the ghee and keep stirring it.
4) Once it has been stirred well and is a smooth and even consistency, turn off the heat.
5) Now mix the eggs into the mixture.
6) Remove the seeds from the cardamom pods. Use a rolling pin to grind them into a powder. Add to the mixture.
7) Mix in the maida flour and baking powder as well.
8) Knead the mixture into a dough until it is a smooth and even consistency.
9) Shape the dough into golf ball sized shapes. Flatten the balls with a knife and make three lines on both sides.
10) Place them on a greased baking sheet.
11) Bake for about 20-25 minutes at 355 degrees Fahrenheit.
12) Cook until the tops of the cookies are browned.
13) Once done remove from the oven and let them cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve.

*These are great when served with some tea on the side*