Ganeshotsav, the beloved festival that fills the streets of India with music, dance, and colorful celebrations, holds a special place in the hearts of millions. For Indians living abroad, it’s a time when nostalgia takes center stage, and the longing for the flavors of home becomes undeniable. One way to bridge that gap and connect with your roots is by indulging in the delightful world of modaks, traditional Indian sweets that are an essential part of Ganeshotsav.
Classic Ukadiche Modak
The Ukadiche Modak is the quintessential offering to Lord Ganesha, prepared during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. “Ukadiche” translates to “steamed” in Marathi, which perfectly describes the cooking process of this traditional modak.
Ingredients
1 cup rice flour
1 cup water
A pinch of salt
1 tsp ghee
For the filling: 1 cup grated coconut, 1 cup jaggery, 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
Instructions
In a pan, melt the jaggery and add grated coconut and cardamom powder. Cook until the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan. Set it aside to cool. Boil water with a pinch of salt and ghee. Once it starts boiling, add rice flour and mix quickly to avoid lumps. Cover and let it rest for a few minutes. Knead the rice flour dough while it’s still warm to make a smooth, pliable dough. Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten it into a small disc using your fingers.
Place a spoonful of the coconut-jaggery filling in the center and gather the edges of the disc to form a dumpling shape. Repeat the process for all modaks. Steam them for 10-12 minutes until they become translucent.
Chocolate Modak
For those with a sweet tooth and a love for chocolate, Chocolate Modak is a modern twist on this traditional dessert. Here’s how you can make this delightful treat:
Ingredients
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup condensed milk
1/2 cup crushed digestive biscuits
1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
A pinch of cardamom powder (optional)
Instructions
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and condensed milk in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Add the crushed digestive biscuits, chopped nuts, and cardamom powder (if using) to the chocolate mixture. Mix well. Allow the mixture to cool slightly and then shape it into modak-like dumplings using your hands. Place them on a plate and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set.
@pexels
Varieties of Modak
Aside from the classic Ukadiche and Chocolate Modak, there are numerous other varieties to explore, such as:
Mawa Modak: Made with mawa (khoya) and flavored with saffron and cardamom.
Dry Fruits Modak: Loaded with a mix of chopped dry fruits, making it a wholesome delight.
Rava Modak: Prepared with semolina and coconut, providing a unique texture.
Fried Modak: These crispy delights are deep-fried and often come with a stuffing of sweetened gram flour.
