Chef Bandu Ugalmugale Shares 2 Unique Recipes For Modak

One of the traditional sweet dishes primarily associated with Ganesh Chaturthi is modak. It is believed to be the favourite of Lord Ganesha. It is believed that Lord Narada introduced Bappa with these sweets and Goddess Parvati used to prepare it for him. Modak signifies the celebration of Lord Vinayak’s birthday.

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Devotees believe that offering Lord Ganesha his favourite sweet will please him, and he will bless them with prosperity and wisdom. He will also remove obstacles from their lives. This Ganesh Chaturthi (celebrations to begin on September 7, 2024), tweak the traditional recipes of the sweet. Chef Bandu Ugalmugale, Executive Sous Chef at Four Points by Sheraton Navi Mumbai, shared two unique ways to prepare modal. Try these out.

Oats Dark Chocolate Modak

If the Ganesh Chaturthi gathering is going to involve children and chocolate enthusiasts, this recipe is a must-try. Oats make it nutritious and chocolate will enhance the texture of the sweet and make it irresistible.

Ingredients

  • 50 grams oats
  • 150 grams of dark chocolate
  • 10 grams nuts
  • 50 grams biscuits
  • 50 ml milk

Method

  • Heat milk and chocolate till it gets a smooth ribbon-like consistency. 
  • Add the oats, and crushed biscuits into the chocolate mixture and knead to form a soft dough. 
  • Cool the dough in a refrigerator for 5-10 minutes.
  • Shape the mixture into modak, keep aside to firm up, and serve with finely chopped dry fruits.

Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Date, Time And Significance

Steamed Sugar-Free Almond Modak

If someone in your family does not prefer sugar or has diabetes, this sugar-free recipe will ensure that everyone has a good time. It is enriched with almonds which also make it nutritious and healthy to consume for people across ages.

Ingredients

  • 100 grams of rice flour
  • 5 grams salt
  • Water as needed
  • 10 ml oil
  • 100 grams coconut
  • 50 grams of sugar-free sweetener or Splenda
  • 50 ml ghee
  • 50 grams almonds
  • 20 grams raisins
  • 5  grams cardamom

Method

  • Heat ghee in a pan and add grated coconut, powdered almond, and Splenda. Cook ingredients over a slow flame till the Splenda melts and the mixture comes together. 
  • Add raisins and cardamom powder to the mixture and keep it aside.
  • In another non-stick pan, boil water with a teaspoon of oil and stir. Reduce the flame, and add the rice flour while stirring continuously to avoid formation of lumps. 
  • Put on the lid and keep aside for about 5 minutes. 
  • Grease your palms with a little oil and knead the dough while it is warm. If the dough cools, it will get lumpy. You could even use a hand blender to knead the dough. 
  • Make even-sized small balls of dough using oil. 
  • Roll each of them into a round shape. Make 8 to 10 folds in the rolled dough with 1 cm. distance in between. 
  • To make a fold, pinch the outer line of rolled dough a bit ahead making 1-2 mm thick fold. 
  • Add a spoonful of the filling at the centre of the dough and seal it. 
  • Prepare a steamer by adding water and a tsp of oil. Heat it till the water comes to a boil. 
  • While the water is simmering, place the modaks on a greased steamer plate and steam for 6 to 7 minutes. 
  • Once the modaks are cooked, they will turn translucent. Serve them hot drizzled with pure ghee.