Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Three Special Maharashtrian Style Recipes To Welcome Bappa On A Sweet Note

Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, is an occasion filled with joy, devotion, and delectable food. In Maharashtra, this festival holds a special place in the hearts of devotees, and the culinary traditions are an integral part of the celebration. One of the highlights of Ganesh Chaturthi is the preparation of delicious Maharashtrian sweets and savories to offer to Lord Ganesha. Here are three special Maharashtrian-style recipes that will add a sweet touch to your Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

# Modak - Lord Ganesha's Favorite

Modak is a quintessential Maharashtrian sweet that is considered Lord Ganesha's favorite. These steamed or fried dumplings are made with a rice flour or wheat flour dough, stuffed with a sweet filling, and shaped into intricate designs. The most popular filling is a mixture of grated coconut and jaggery, flavored with cardamom and nutmeg. To prepare modaks, follow these steps:

Ingredients

1 cup rice flour
1 cup grated coconut
1/2 cup jaggery, grated
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
A pinch of nutmeg powder
2 tsp ghee
Water as needed

Method

- Heat ghee in a pan and add grated coconut and jaggery.
- Cook until the jaggery melts and the mixture thickens.
- Add cardamom and nutmeg powder, mix well, and remove from heat.
- Prepare a soft dough using rice flour and water.
- Take small portions of the dough, flatten them, and place a spoonful of the coconut-jaggery mixture inside.
- Seal the edges and shape them into modaks using your fingers.
- Steam the modaks for 10-15 minutes until they are cooked and shiny.

# Puran Poli - A Sweet Flatbread

Puran Poli is another beloved Maharashtrian delicacy prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi. It consists of a sweet lentil filling enclosed in a thin, soft flatbread. The combination of chana dal, jaggery, and aromatic spices makes this dish irresistible. Here's how you can make Puran Poli:

Ingredients

1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
1 cup jaggery, grated
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
A pinch of nutmeg powder
1 cup whole wheat flour
A pinch of salt
Ghee for cooking

Method

- Cook the chana dal until it becomes soft and then drain any excess water.
- Mash the cooked dal and add grated jaggery, cardamom powder, and nutmeg powder.
- Cook this mixture until it thickens and leaves the sides of the pan. Let it cool.
- In a separate bowl, knead the whole wheat flour with a pinch of salt and water to make a smooth dough.
- Divide the dough into small portions and the chana dal mixture into equal-sized balls.
- Roll out a small dough ball, place the chana dal mixture in the center, and seal the edges.
- Roll it into a flatbread and cook it on a griddle with ghee until golden brown.

# Sheera - A Simple and Divine Dessert

Sheera, also known as Suji Halwa, is a simple yet delicious Maharashtrian dessert that is often offered to Lord Ganesha during Ganesh Chaturthi. Made from semolina (suji), ghee, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and saffron, it's a delightful way to end your festive meal. Here's how to make Sheera:

Ingredients

1 cup semolina (suji)
1/2 cup ghee
1 cup sugar
2 cups water
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
A few saffron strands
Chopped nuts for garnish (optional)

Method

- Heat ghee in a pan and roast the semolina until it turns golden and aromatic.
- In another pan, bring water to a boil and add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Slowly add the roasted semolina to the sugar syrup, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cook on low heat until the sheera thickens and leaves the sides of the pan.
- Garnish with chopped nuts if desired and serve hot.