Ukdiche Modak (Steamed Modak) Recipe For Ganesh Chaturthi
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 10-12 modaks
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 cup grated fresh coconut
- 1 cup jaggery (preferably grated or powdered)
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg powder (optional)
- A few saffron strands (optional)
- 1 tsp ghee
For the Outer Cover (Dough):
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1.25 cups water
- 1 tsp ghee
- A pinch of salt
Method:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a pan, heat 1 tsp ghee and add grated coconut.
- Add jaggery and cook on medium flame until it melts and blends with the coconut (around 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in cardamom powder, nutmeg, and saffron.
- Cook until the mixture thickens slightly. Let it cool. Your filling is ready.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- Boil water, salt, and ghee in a pan.
- Reduce heat and add rice flour gradually while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Turn off the heat, cover, and let it sit for 4-5 minutes.
- Once warm, knead the dough until it becomes smooth and pliable. Use a little water or ghee if needed.
Step 3: Shape the Modaks
- Grease your hands. Take a lemon-sized ball of dough and flatten it into a cup shape.
- Place 1-2 tsp of filling in the center.
- Gently fold the edges to form pleats and shape into a conical modak.
- Seal the top and shape neatly.
Step 4: Steam the Modaks
- Place them in a greased steamer or on a banana leaf in a steamer tray.
- Steam for 10-15 minutes until the modaks turn slightly glossy.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of ghee on top.
Tips:
- Strain melted jaggery to avoid lumps and grainy texture.
- Don’t overfill the modak to prevent bursting during steaming.
- Knead dough while it’s warm and cover with a damp cloth to avoid drying.