Ganesh Chaturthi is around the corner and with this festival, comes great enthusiasm and zeal. Devotees welcome Lord Ganesha at their houses with pomp and fervour and the whole 11 days are celebrated at their best. Now this discussion would be incomplete if do not mention Lord Ganesha’s favourite modak.
In the last so many years, people have started making different types of modaks. Modak has evolved into several flavours and textures but its significance during Ganesh Chaturthi has remained the same. We could normally find steamed and fried modaks. But the most traditional modak is the Ukdiche modak, the steamed version. Fried modaks came into existence as it brings out a crunchier taste and lasts longer. The ones made with moulds are made up of khoya and shaped like modak through a mould, easily available in the market. We can add a variety of flavours to the modaks to give it a different touch. Chocolate modaks have gained much popularity because of their taste while modaks made using saffron, pistachio, figs, makhanas, peanuts and almonds are also made during the Ganesh Chaturthi days.
Let us tell you an interesting fact. A sweet similar to modak i.e., kangidan is offered to God Kangiten who is considered to be the Japanese equivalent of Lord Ganesha in Japan. Kangidans are made up of curd, honey and red bean paste and then, deep fried after being wrapped in bun-shaped dough made from parched flour.
Traditionally eaten with hot ghee, Ukdiche modaks have inner pooran stuffing made up of jaggery, freshly grated coconut, and some sweet spices while the outer covering is made up of rice flour. This festive dessert is said to have originated in Maharashtra and is known by several names. It is known as modhaka or kadubu in Kannada, kudumu in Telugu and kozhukattai in Tamil.
Apart from having a religious significance, modaks have great health benefits too. Ukdiche modaks not only help in smooth digestion but also increases metabolism. Since jaggery contains antioxidants and several minerals, it helps in cleansing the body by removing toxins. It also helps in raising healthy cholesterol and even cures a cold and flu.
Though the trend has shifted to flavoured modaks, the traditional Ukdiche modaks have always been special and of course important. This Ganesh Chaturthi, let us make the traditional and old-school modaks and celebrate the festival. Follow these steps and offer the simple yet tastiest modaks to Ganpati Bappa!!
Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!!
Ingredients
For Pooran
- 1 cup Jaggery
- 1 ¼ cup freshly grated coconut
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
For Outer Stuffing
- 1 cup rice flour (One specially used for modak)
- 1 ¾ cup water
- 3 tsp ghee
Method
- Take a pan and add jaggery
- Once the jaggery starts melting, add grated coconut
- Mix well and let it cook for 9 to 10 minutes
- Add cardamom powder and poppy seeds
- Mix well and turn off the flame
- Take a big bowl and add rice flour to it
- Add hot water and combine it with a spoon or spatula
- Once it cools down, use your hands and combine the dough
- Cover it and keep it aside for 10 minutes
- Now add little ghee and knead the dough once again
- Take out small portions from dough and made a small cup-like thing
- Fill pooran in it shape it like a modak (You can always use a mould if you want)
- Take a steamer and place a banana leaf on the vessel
- Add modaks and steam them for 10 to 12 minutes
- Once done, take them out and your modak is ready
- Garnish with whatever you like and serve with ghee
Enjoy!