Indian Festival Special Sweets - "Ukadiche Modak"

 

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Hello readers,

     Today is 'Ganesh Chaturthi' so I am wishing all my readers 'Happy Ganesh Chaturthi'. For this reason I'm going to share with you a traditional Indian delicacy which is most famous for being the favorite dessert of Hindu deity Ganesha and it is always prepared as a religious offering during the 'Ganesh Chaturthi' festival. 'Modak' is an Indian sweet dumpling believed to have originated in the state of Maharashtra, in India. Modak is prepared in a variety of ways, however the most common variety is called "Ukadiche Modak". So let's start making famous dessert for Lord Ganesha!🙏

Ingredients:

For Modak fillings:-

1. Grated coconut- 200g.

2. Grated Jaggery- 150g.

3. Dry fruits- 1/2 cup(crushed).

4. Cardamom powder- 1/2 tsp.

5. Poppy seeds- 1/2 tsp.

6. Nutmeg powder- 1/8 tsp.

7. Ghee (clarified butter)- 1 tsp.

For Modak cover:-

1. Fine Rice flour- 150g.

2. Ghee (clarified butter)- 1 tsp.

3. Water- 1-1/2 cups (more to knead).

4. Salt- 1/4 tsp.

For Garnishing:-

1. Ghee (clarified butter)- 1 tsp.

2. Saffron- few strings (optional).

Preparation Method:

Inner Modak sweeter fillings-

Step 1- Place a pan over medium heat add 1 tsp ghee (clarified butter), now add jaggery and grated coconut mix well until mixture turns thick. There shouldn't be excess moisture in the pan (don't over cook).

Step 2-  Once get sticky texture add crushed dry fruits, cardamom powder and nutmeg powder mix well, turn off flame and cool this mixture completely.

Making outer of Modak:-

Step 1- Take a pan add 1-1/2 cups water bring it to a rolling boil along with salt and ghee (clarified butter).

Step 2- Lower flame then add fine rice flour and mix well by stirring frequently, do not look for a dry and crumbly dough at this stage. Turn off flame and cover the pan, set aside. Let the dough steam in the residual heat.

Step 3- When the mixture is still slightly hot, knead it to a soft non-sticky yet smooth crack free dough, sprinkle 2-3 tbs more warm water at this stage.

Step 4- Divide dough in equal size, make balls with them. Keep the balls covered with a damp cloth until finish making all Modak.

Step 5- Grease Modak mould lightly with ghee, take a ball keep the ball inside the mould and press with finger to spread the dough towards the sides of the mould.

Step 6- Stuff the sweet coconut fillings and seal the Modak carefully.

Step 7- Grease the steam basket, open the moulds and place all the Modak in the basket, sprinkle some saffron.

Step 8- Place a trivet in a steamer pour 2 cups water & bring it to a rolling boil, now place the steam basket inside and steam cook Modaks for 10 minutes.

Step 9- Pour ghee before serving to 'Lord Ganesha'. 🙏

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N.B. This article was also published on my personal blog : https://sduttaskitchen.blogspot.com/