Modak Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen!
Basically, Modak, is a divine Indian sweet, that holds a special place in the
hearts of millions, especially during the auspicious festival of Ganesh
Chaturthi.
This delightful delicacy is believed to be Lord Ganesha's favorite,
making it an integral part of the celebrations. Its unique shape and mouth-watering
flavours make it a sought-after treat for people of all ages.
It is a
delightful treat to celebrate the joyous festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. These
handmade delicacies will bring your home the bliss with your loved ones. So,
let's embark on a culinary journey and learn how to prepare these heavenly
modaks at home. Enjoy cooking!
Ingredients to make Modak:
For the outer covering:
1 cup rice flour
1 cup water
1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
A pinch of salt
For the filling:
1 cup freshly grated coconut
1/2 cup jaggery - adjust to taste
1 teaspoon cardamom powder
A handful of chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, or pistachios)
1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
Method to make Modak:
For preparing the Filling:
· In a
non-stick pan, heat the ghee over medium heat.
· Add
the freshly grated coconut to the pan and sauté it for a few minutes until it
turns aromatic and slightly toasted.
· Next,
add the jaggery to the coconut and mix well.
· Allow
the jaggery to melt and combine with the coconut, creating a gooey mixture.
· Sprinkle
the cardamom powder and chopped nuts into the mixture, stirring it thoroughly.
· Cook
the filling for a few more minutes until it thickens slightly.
· Once
done, remove the pan from the heat and set the filling aside to cool.
For preparing the Outer Covering:
· In a
separate saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
· Add
a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of ghee to the boiling water.
· Reduce
the heat to low and gradually add the rice flour to the water, stirring
continuously to avoid lumps.
· Mix
the rice flour until it forms a smooth dough. Turn off the heat and cover the
saucepan with a lid for a few minutes to let the dough rest.
For assembling the Modaks:
· Take
a small portion of the rice flour dough and roll it into a smooth ball between
your palms.
· Flatten
the ball to create a small disc-like shape, ensuring it is not too thick or too
thin.
· Now,
gently press the edges of the disc with your fingers, making it thinner on the
sides and thicker in the center.
· Place
a spoonful of the prepared coconut-jaggery filling in the centre of the disc.
· Carefully
bring the edges of the disc together and pinch them at the top to form a
closed, cone-shaped modak.
· Repeat
the process for the remaining dough and filling.
For steaming the Modaks:
· In a
steamer, place a parchment paper or banana leaf to prevent sticking.
· Arrange
the prepared modaks on the paper/leaf, leaving some space between them to
expand during steaming.
· Steam
the modaks for 10-12 minutes on medium heat until they become firm and translucent.
· Once
the modaks are cooked, allow them to cool slightly before serving.
· Offer
these delicious modaks to Lord Ganesha as a part of your prayers during the
festival of Ganesh Chaturthi.
· Serve
them as prasad or a delightful treat to your family and guests, witnessing
their faces light up with joy.
