Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with Sweet Delights: Modak Recipes
7 Unique Modak Recipes to Enjoy During the Festival
Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, is incomplete without the delightful and sweet offerings made to the elephant-headed God. One of the most beloved and iconic treats during this festival is the Modak. These sweet dumplings are not only delicious but also hold a special significance in the festivities. Modaks that are believed to have originated in the state of Maharashtra has different names like mothagam, kozhukattai, modhaka, kadubu in Kannada, kudumu among others and while the ingredients and the method of preparations slightly differ, the joy of eating them is just the same. Today, we bring you mouth-watering Modak recipes to add a touch of sweetness to your Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
1. Traditional Steamed Modaks
Ingredients:
-
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup jaggery (grated)
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 cup grated coconut
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of salt
- Water, as needed
Instructions:
-
- Heat ghee in a pan and add grated coconut. Sauté until it turns slightly golden.
- Add grated jaggery and let it melt, stirring continuously.
- Add cardamom powder and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
- Add rice flour and mix until it forms a dough-like consistency.
- Allow the mixture to cool, then grease your palms and shape the dough into small Modaks.
- Steam the Modaks for 10-12 minutes or until they become soft and translucent.
- Offer them to Lord Ganesha and enjoy!
2. Fried Modaks
Ingredients:
-
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup semolina (suji)
- 1/2 cup jaggery (grated)
- 1/4 cup grated coconut
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of salt
- Ghee or oil for frying
Instructions:
-
- Mix all-purpose flour, semolina, and a pinch of salt. Add water to make a stiff dough.
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan for frying.
- In a separate pan, add grated coconut and grated jaggery. Cook until it melts and combines.
- Add cardamom powder and mix well.
- Let the mixture cool down and shape it into small Modaks.
- Deep fry the Modaks until they turn golden brown.
- Offer them to Lord Ganesha and indulge in their crispy goodness.
3. Chocolate Modaks
Ingredients:
-
- 1 cup khoya (mawa)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- A pinch of salt
- Chocolate chips (optional)
- Ghee for greasing molds
Instructions:
-
- In a pan, crumble khoya and cook it on low heat until it melts and becomes slightly brown.
- Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
- Let the mixture cool, then add chocolate chips (if desired) and shape it into Modaks using molds.
- Refrigerate for a few hours until they set.
- Serve these delectable chocolate Modaks as a modern twist on a traditional favorite.
4. Paan Modak
Ingredients:
-
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 3-4 betel leaves (paan)
- 1 tablespoon gulkand (rose petal jam)
- A pinch of cardamom powder
- Chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
-
- Wash and blend the betel leaves to a fine paste.
- In a pan, combine the desiccated coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and betel leaf paste.
- Cook on low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan.
- Add gulkand, cardamom powder, and chopped nuts (if using). Mix well.
- Let the mixture cool slightly, then shape it into Modaks using molds.
- Allow them to set for a few hours before serving. These Paan Modaks have a unique flavor that combines the essence of paan with the sweetness of condensed milk.
4. Paan Modak
Ingredients:
-
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 3-4 betel leaves (paan)
- 1 tablespoon gulkand (rose petal jam)
- A pinch of cardamom powder
- Chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
-
- Wash and blend the betel leaves to a fine paste.
- In a pan, combine the desiccated coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and betel leaf paste.
- Cook on low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan.
- Add gulkand, cardamom powder, and chopped nuts (if using). Mix well.
- Let the mixture cool slightly, then shape it into Modaks using molds.
- Allow them to set for a few hours before serving. These Paan Modaks have a unique flavor that combines the essence of paan with the sweetness of condensed milk.
5. Ras Malai Modak
Ingredients:
-
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup milk powder
- 1/4 cup condensed milk
- A pinch of saffron strands (soaked in warm milk)
- Chopped pistachios and almonds for garnish
Instructions:
-
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, milk powder, and condensed milk.
- Mix well to form a smooth dough-like consistency.
- Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into Modaks.
- Garnish each Modak with saffron milk and chopped pistachios and almonds.
- Refrigerate for a few hours to set before serving. These Rasmalai Modaks have the rich and creamy flavor of traditional rasmalai.
6. Moong Dal Modak
Ingredients:
-
- 1 cup yellow moong dal (split and skinned)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- A pinch of cardamom powder
- Chopped nuts for garnish
Instructions:
-
- Wash and soak moong dal for a few hours. Drain the water.
- Grind the soaked moong dal to a coarse paste without adding water.
- In a pan, heat ghee and roast the moong dal paste until it turns aromatic and light brown.
- Add sugar and cardamom powder. Mix well and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Let it cool slightly, then shape it into Modaks.
- Garnish with chopped nuts and let them cool completely before serving. These Moong Dal Modaks have a nutty and aromatic flavor.
7. Kesar Mawa Modak
Ingredients:
-
- 1 cup khoya (mawa)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- A pinch of saffron strands (soaked in warm milk)
- A pinch of cardamom powder
- Ghee for greasing molds
Instructions:
-
- In a pan, crumble khoya and cook it on low heat until it melts and becomes slightly brown.
- Add powdered sugar, saffron milk, and cardamom powder. Mix well.
- Let the mixture cool, then shape it into Modaks using molds.
- Allow them to set for a few hours before serving. These Kesar Mawa Modaks have a rich and aromatic saffron flavour.
These Modak recipes are sure to add a sweet touch to your Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Whether you prefer the traditional steamed Modaks, the indulgent fried ones, or the delightful chocolate variation, each bite is a divine experience. Enjoy making and savoring these delicious Modak variations with love and devotion, and offer them to Lord Ganesha as a symbol of your reverence.
Wishing you a joyful and blessed Ganesh Chaturthi filled with the sweetness of Modaks!
