Follow This Simple Recipe of Modak for Ganesh Chaturthi This Year

Every festival in India comes with its own set of traditions and ceremonies, but the one thing that ties them all together is the delicious food.

Cooking and thereafter, consuming food has mostly been a communal experience throughout the history of mankind, however, during festivities, it turns into a cherished practice. Occasions such as Ganesh Chaturthi are meant for families to bond, reminisce about old times, and crack jokes while enjoying the Ganesh Chaturthi food. Everything seems picture-perfect as the intoxicating aroma of the home-cooked food lingers in the corridors of each home, beckoning everyone into a realm of warmth and happiness.

Out of the many festivals, Ganesh Chaturthi, a beloved festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is marked by vibrant celebrations, devotional music, and, most importantly, the preparation of delicious sweets. As per mythological lore, modaks are what Lord Ganesh loves the most, and thus, for every Ganesh Chaturthi, modak is a must. With its soft, steamed rice flour exterior and luscious filling of jaggery and coconut within, this sweet perfectly embodies the essence of the festival — a blend of simplicity, devotion, and joy. Making modaks at home is more than just a culinary task, it is a heartfelt ritual that connects us to our traditions and culture.

While you will witness many people cooking up fancy sweet platters, adding their touch of modernity to traditional recipes, it’s hard to argue against something so simple, yet at its core, so delicious. Why not embrace the festive spirit by preparing modak in your kitchen? Whether you are a seasoned cook or trying your hand at this for the first time, this simple, step-by-step recipe will guide you through the process. Each step is crafted to help you achieve that perfect modak — soft on the outside, filled with a burst of sweet flavors inside. As you shape each modak, infuse it with love and devotion, knowing that you are creating more than just a sweet and you’re crafting an offering of faith and joy.

Here is the perfect yet simple recipe of modak for Ganesh Chaturthi:

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 80 gm grated coconut
• 150 gm jaggery, grated
• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds (khus khus), roasted
• 1 tbsp ghee

For the Dough:

• 120 gm rice flour
• 240 ml water
• 1 tsp ghee
• 1/4 tsp salt

Method:

1. To prepare the filling, you need to first heat the ghee in a pan over medium heat.
2. Then, you should add the grated coconut and saute for two to three minutes.
3. Now, add the grated jaggery and stir continuously until the jaggery melts and mixes with the coconut.
4. After this, you need to cook the mixture until it thickens and starts leaving the side of the pan.
5. Add cardamom powder and roasted poppy seeds and mix the ingredients well.
6. Now, remove it from the heat and let the filling cool completely.
7. To prepare the dough, take a saucepan and pour some water in it. Bring the water to a boil.
8. Then add salt and ghee to the boiling water.
9. Now, gradually add the rice flour while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
10. Lower the heat and mix it well until the dough comes together. Cover and let it rest for about five minutes.
11. Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead it while it is still warm until it becomes smooth and soft. If the dough feels dry, you can add a little water and continue kneading.
12. To give the modaks their distinct shape, grease your hands with ghee and take a small portion of the dough.
13. Shape it into a ball, then flatten it to form a small cup or disc.
14. Place a spoonful of the coconut-jaggery filling in the center of the disc.
15. Gently gather the edges to form pleats and bring them together at the top, pinching them to form a peak, creating a traditional modak shape.
16. To steam your delicious modaks, prepare the steamer with water and bring it to a boil.
17. Now, place the shaped modaks on a greased steamer plate or a banana leaf.
18. Steam the modaks on medium heat for 10-15 minutes until they become glossy and are cooked through.
19. Once the modaks are steamed, allow them to cool slightly.
20. Once done, you can offer the modaks to Lord Ganesha as prasad and enjoy them with all your loved ones.

As you follow this simple recipe, you'll find that the process is as rewarding as the final result. The aroma of roasted coconut and jaggery filling your kitchen, along with the soft dough taking shape in your hands, and the steaming modaks turning glossy and perfect — are all part of a ritual that transcends the mere act of cooking. It's about remembering the tales of devotion and love that have been passed down through generations and sharing that joy with family and friends.