Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Elevate Your Celebrations with Homemade Modak Delights

As the eagerly awaited Ganesh Chaturthi festival approaches, which spans ten days and commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, devotees gear up for vibrant celebrations filled with devotion, colorful decorations, and delectable offerings to the Elephant God. Among the cherished treats from Maharashtra offered as prasad during puja, modak takes a special place.

Lord Ganesha, often referred to as “Modak Priya” or the one who delights in modak, is presented with 21 pieces of this sweet dumpling during the puja ritual. Traditionally, modak is made with a coconut and jaggery filling, making it a true delight. So, this Ganesh Chaturthi, instead of buying modaks from stores, why not try making them at home?

Here are some delightful modak recipes shared by renowned chefs to elevate your Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations:

Ukadiche Modak and Jim Jam Modak

Chef Kunal Kapur presents a two-in-one modak recipe. “This recipe is very dear to my heart, as it’s a favorite of both mine and Lord Ganesha’s – the ‘Modak’. With Ganesh Chaturthi approaching, I couldn’t resist preparing modaks for this celebration. Here’s a delicious Modak recipe in two delightful variations,” he shares.

Ingredients:

For classic modak (makes 20 nos):

• Ghee – 1 tbsp
• Desiccated Coconut – 1 cup
• Grated Jaggery – ½ cup
• Cardamom Powder – ½ tsp
• Chopped Cashew – Handful
• Chopped Pista – Handful
• Nutmeg Powder – a pinch

For dough:

• Water – 1 cup
• Very Fine Rice Flour – 1¼ cup
• Salt – a pinch
• Ghee (melted) – as required

For Jim Jam modak (makes 6 nos):

• Glucose Biscuits – 160gms (32 biscuits)
• Butter – 40 gm (4 tbsp)
• Milk – 60ml (¼ cup)
• Fruit Jam – 3-4 tbsp

Method:

For classic modak:

1. Begin by making the filling: Heat ghee in a pan, add desiccated coconut, and cook until aromatic and slightly golden.
2. Add grated jaggery and cook until it melts. Stir in cardamom powder, chopped cashew, chopped pista, and a pinch of nutmeg powder. Allow it to cool.
3. For the dough: Boil water with a pinch of salt, add rice flour, mix well, and cover for 5 minutes.
4. Knead the hot dough till it forms a ball. Cover with a damp cloth for another 5 minutes.
5. Divide the dough into equal portions. Shape them into modaks and steam for 10 minutes.

For Jim Jam modak:

1. Grind the biscuits into a powder.
2. In a pan, melt butter and add the biscuit powder. Cook for 2 minutes.
3. Mix in milk to form a soft pastry-like dough.
4. Prepare a flowy jam.
5. Using a modak mold, add the mixture, make an indent, fill with jam, and close with more mixture.
6. Carefully remove from the mold and place on a plate. Refrigerate to set.

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A post shared by Kunal Kapur (@chefkunal)

Oreo Pista Modak

Chef Vaidehi shares a fusion modak recipe for a modern twist on the traditional dessert. “Try this fusion modak for Ganesh Chaturthi. It’s a no-cook, easy, and instant modak that adds a festive touch. Quick and simple, anyone can make it in just a few minutes,” she suggests.

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A post shared by Vaidehi (@vaidehicooks)

Ingredients:

• 8-19 Oreo Biscuits
• Pistachios
• Ghee

Method:

1. Separate the butter cream from the biscuits.
2. Mix chopped pistachios with the cream.
3. Grind the biscuits into a fine powder.
4. Add ghee and a few drops of milk to create a soft dough.
5. Place the dough in a greased modak mold and stuff with the cream mixture.

Your delightful modaks are ready to grace your Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations!

So, this festive season, embrace the joy of creating homemade modaks that will undoubtedly add a special touch to your Ganesh Chaturthi festivities.