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Luke Coutinho (Designed by Priyanka Vithlani, Meal Planning Analyst)

Modak- Modern Day Dessert Dumpling With the Traditional Heritage Touch

Ganesh Chaturthi is just around the corner. And as people prepare to invite the blessings of the Vighnaharta (remover of obstacles) Lord Ganesha into their homes, the aroma of his favorite sweet dish, handmade with love, is set to waft through most Indian homes. With the divine filling of freshly grated coconut and jaggery, delicately flavored with cardamom and nutmeg, and a soft outer shell made from rice flour, here is a healthy take on the traditional Ukadiche Modak. Taste your share of bliss.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 14
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 121
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients for outer layer:
  • 1 cup rice flour
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 1 tsp A2 cow ghee
  • 1 pinch salt
For the filling:
  • 1.5 cup coconut grated, fresh
  • ½ cup powdered jaggery, organic
  • 3 - 4 cardamom /elaichi pods/seeds, powdered
  • 2 tsp rice flour
  • 1 tsp A2 cow ghee
  • A pinch of nutmeg powder
  • 1 tsp poppy seeds roasted
  • 4 almonds, soaked, sliced, and chopped
  • 6 pistachios unsalted and sliced, optional

Method
 

  1. Mix the ghee, grated coconut, and powdered jaggery in a pan.
  2. Cook for about 3 minutes.
  3. Add the roasted poppy seeds, grounded cardamom, nutmeg powder, and other ingredients.
  4. Mix well and keep aside.
  5. Now heat the water, ghee, and a pinch of salt in the same pan.
  6. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and add the rice flour, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
  7. Now cook this mixture on shallow heat for about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Turn off the gas and cover with a lid for 4 minutes.
  9. Now take this dough to a big plate.
  10. Allow it to cool.
  11. Dip your palm in cool water and knead the dough very well.
  12. If the dough looks hard or dry, then add a little warm water and continue to knead the dough till entirely smooth.
  13. Cover the dough with a damp cloth.
Steaming modak
  1. Take a small ball of dough and roll it thinly.
  2. Keep the dough on your palm and add the sweet modak filling in the center.
  3. Grip together the edges and bring all the folds in the center shaping like a momo.
  4. Steam them for 10 minutes.
  5. Pour in a few drops of ghee and serve hot.
Variations
  1. One can vary the stuffing by adding a few dry fruits, and sesame seeds too.
  2. It’s important to knead the dough well and if required, add water and ghee till it forms a smooth dough.
  3. If the modaks break while you are pressing and creating the cup, do not worry. Sprinkle water and ghee, and knead well.
  4. Wet your hands with water before you start preparing modaks, else it will stick to your hand.

Nutrition

Calories: 121kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gFat: 6g

Notes

  • Rice flour is rich in B vitamins, fiber, and nutrients such as calcium and zinc.
  • Jaggery helps prevent constipation, stimulates the release of digestive enzymes, and boosts hemoglobin levels.
  • Coconut adds good fat and makes the dessert balanced. It helps to improve digestion and absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Power tip 
  • One can use oats flour or raw banana flour as an alternative when rice flour is unavailable. 

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