Homemade Modak Recipe: A Simple Delight For Ganesh Chaturthi
Share this article:
Ganesh Chaturthi , the festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, is synonymous with modaks. These sweet, dumpling-like treats are believed to be the favorite of Lord Ganesha himself, making them an integral part of the festivities. While you can find modaks in various flavors and shapes at sweet shops, there's something truly special about preparing them at home. In this article, we'll share an easy homemade modak recipe that will surely delight your taste buds and add a personal touch to your Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
Ingredients:
For the outer shell:
1 cup rice flour
1 cup water
A pinch of salt
1 teaspoon ghee (clarified butter)
For the sweet filling:
1 cup grated coconut
1/2 cup jaggery, grated or finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
A handful of chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, and pistachios)
1 teaspoon ghee
Method:
Preparing the Sweet Filling:
Heat a teaspoon of ghee in a non-stick pan on low-medium heat.
Add the grated coconut to the pan and sauté it for a couple of minutes until it turns slightly aromatic and light brown. Make sure not to overcook it; we want it to retain its moisture.
Add the grated jaggery to the coconut and continue to cook on low heat. Stir continuously until the jaggery melts and combines with the coconut. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
Add the cardamom powder and chopped nuts to the mixture. Continue to stir for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined. The mixture should be sticky and come together easily. Remove it from the heat and let it cool.
Preparing the Outer Shell:
In a separate saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of ghee.
Lower the heat and slowly add 1 cup of rice flour to the boiling water while stirring continuously. This will help prevent lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency.
Turn off the heat and cover the pan with a lid. Let the dough rest for a few minutes to cool down.
Once the dough is cool enough to handle, knead it gently to form a smooth, pliable dough. If the dough feels too dry, you can sprinkle a little warm water and knead it again.
Assembling the Modaks:
Take a small portion of the rice flour dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Flatten it slightly to form a small disc, ensuring the edges are thinner than the center.
Place a spoonful of the prepared sweet filling in the center of the disc.
Carefully gather the edges of the disc and pinch them together at the top to create a modak shape. You can also use a modak mold for a more intricate design.
Repeat this process to make more modaks.
Steaming the Modaks:
Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil in the lower compartment.
Grease the steamer tray with a little ghee or oil to prevent sticking.
Arrange the modaks on the greased tray and steam them for about 10-12 minutes, or until they become slightly translucent and firm.
Once done, remove the modaks from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Homemade modaks are not only a delicious treat but also a heartfelt offering to Lord Ganesha during the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy the traditional flavors of these sweet dumplings in the comfort of your home. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps carefully, and share the joy of homemade modaks with your loved ones during this festive season.
Ingredients:
For the outer shell:
1 cup rice flour
1 cup water
A pinch of salt
1 teaspoon ghee (clarified butter)
For the sweet filling:
1 cup grated coconut
1/2 cup jaggery, grated or finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
A handful of chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, and pistachios)
1 teaspoon ghee
Method:
Preparing the Sweet Filling:
Heat a teaspoon of ghee in a non-stick pan on low-medium heat.
Add the grated coconut to the pan and sauté it for a couple of minutes until it turns slightly aromatic and light brown. Make sure not to overcook it; we want it to retain its moisture.
Add the grated jaggery to the coconut and continue to cook on low heat. Stir continuously until the jaggery melts and combines with the coconut. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
Add the cardamom powder and chopped nuts to the mixture. Continue to stir for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined. The mixture should be sticky and come together easily. Remove it from the heat and let it cool.
Preparing the Outer Shell:
In a separate saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of ghee.
Lower the heat and slowly add 1 cup of rice flour to the boiling water while stirring continuously. This will help prevent lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency.
Turn off the heat and cover the pan with a lid. Let the dough rest for a few minutes to cool down.
Once the dough is cool enough to handle, knead it gently to form a smooth, pliable dough. If the dough feels too dry, you can sprinkle a little warm water and knead it again.
Assembling the Modaks:
Take a small portion of the rice flour dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Flatten it slightly to form a small disc, ensuring the edges are thinner than the center.
Place a spoonful of the prepared sweet filling in the center of the disc.
Carefully gather the edges of the disc and pinch them together at the top to create a modak shape. You can also use a modak mold for a more intricate design.
Repeat this process to make more modaks.
Steaming the Modaks:
Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil in the lower compartment.
Grease the steamer tray with a little ghee or oil to prevent sticking.
Arrange the modaks on the greased tray and steam them for about 10-12 minutes, or until they become slightly translucent and firm.
Once done, remove the modaks from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Homemade modaks are not only a delicious treat but also a heartfelt offering to Lord Ganesha during the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy the traditional flavors of these sweet dumplings in the comfort of your home. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps carefully, and share the joy of homemade modaks with your loved ones during this festive season.
Next Story