Ganesh Chaturthi Recipe- Lord Ganesh Favorite Ukadiche Modak

Modak is a traditional sweet similar to dumplings. According to Hindu mythology, it is considered the favourite dish of Lord Ganesha. It is usually made with rice flour and has a coconut and jaggery filling. This Maharashtrian dish is also called modaka in Kannada, modakulu in Telugu, and modhakum in Tamil. There are two cooking methods to make it - steamed and deep-fried. It is the most important offering to Lord Ganesha during Ganesha Chaturthi.

Ingredients

For the filling

2 cups coconut
1 cup jaggery
1 tablespoon ghee
½ teaspoon cardamom powder

For the outer cover

2 cups rice flour
2 cups water
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ghee

Method

To make the filling

- Heat ghee in a kadhai

- Add coconut and jaggery. Mix well

- Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and comes together

- Add cardamom powder and mix well. Let it cool completely

To make the dough

- Add water in a large kadhai and bring it to boil

- Once it comes to rolling boil, add salt and ghee

- Reduce the heat and add the rice flour. Mix well until all the water is absorbed

- Cover and let it rest for 5 minutes

- While the flour is still warm, transfer to a large pan and begin kneading

- Continue kneading for 5-6 minutes until it is soft and pliable

- The dough is ready. Keep it covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out

Shaping modak without mould

- Take a small portion of dough and make a dent in the center

- Using your finger and thumb, start flattening it gently, moving the dough in circular motion

- Pinch the sides using your thumb and finger to create pleats

- Add 1 tablespoon coconut filling in the center

- Gently bring the pleats together and seal the modak carefully

- Place it in the steamer basket for steaming

Shaping modak with mould

- Lightly grease the modak with little ghee and close the mould

- Add some dough in the mould and press it to the wall of the mould

- Make sure the entire mould is covered and there is gap in the center for the filling

- Add 1 tablespoon filling in the center (adjust the amount of filling depending on the size of the mould)

- Add some dough on the filling and press it gently to seal the modak completely (see step by step pictures above)

- Unmould the modak and place it in steamer basket

Steaming the modak

- Pour approximately 2 cups of water in the steamer and bring it to boil

- Place the steamer basket and steam the modak for 10 minutes

- Modak are ready.