Ganesha’s Favorite: Homemade Modak for Ganesh Chaturthi

Special Homemade Modak for Ganesh Chaturthi-Modak is a traditional Indian sweet dumpling that is often associated with Lord Ganesha and is a popular treat during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Steam Modak is a healthier alternative to the fried version, and it’s made using a mixture of rice flour and a sweet coconut-jaggery filling. Here’s a detailed description of how to make steam Modak:

Ingredients:Special Homemade Modak for Ganesh Chaturthi

For the outer covering:

1. 1 cup rice flour
2. 1 cup water
3. A pinch of salt
4. 1 teaspoon ghee (clarified butter)

For the filling:

1. 1 cup grated coconut
2. 3/4 cup jaggery (or as per your sweetness preference)
3. 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
4. A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Preparing the Filling:

1. Heat a pan on medium-low heat and add the grated coconut.
2. Add the jaggery to the coconut and stir continuously until the jaggery melts and combines with the coconut. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add a pinch of salt and cardamom powder to the mixture for flavor. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. It should have a sticky consistency.
4. Once the filling is ready, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool down. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shape it into small, marble-sized balls. You can also grease your palms with a little ghee to prevent sticking.

Preparing the Outer Covering:

1. In a separate saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of ghee to the boiling water.
2. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low, and slowly add the rice flour while continuously stirring with a wooden spoon. Stir vigorously to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Cook the rice flour mixture for a few minutes until it forms a smooth dough-like consistency. Make sure it’s not too dry or too wet; it should be pliable but not sticky.
4. Remove the dough from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

Assembling the Modak:Special Homemade Modak for Ganesh Chaturthi

1. While the dough is still warm, knead it gently to make it smoother and more pliable.
2. Take a small portion of the dough and flatten it with your fingers to form a small disc. Make a well in the center.
3. Place one of the coconut-jaggery balls in the center of the disc.
4. Carefully, using your fingers, pleat the edges of the dough disc, bringing them together to cover the filling. Pinch and seal the top to form a modak shape.

Steaming the Modak: Special Homemade Modak for Ganesh Chaturthi

1. Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil in the bottom pot and greasing the steaming tray or plates with a little ghee to prevent sticking.
2. Place the modaks on the greased tray, leaving a little space between each modak to allow them to expand while steaming.
3. Steam the modaks for about 10-12 minutes on medium heat, or until they become slightly translucent and the outer covering appears cooked.
4. Remove the steamed modaks from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Your homemade steam modaks are now ready to be served as an offering to Lord Ganesha or as a delightful sweet treat for any occasion. Enjoy!