Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Ukadiche Modak is a traditional Maharashtrian sweet, especially popular during Ganesh Chaturthi. These dumplings are made from steamed rice flour with a filling of grated coconut and jaggery, flavored with cardamom and sometimes a hint of nutmeg. They’re considered Lord Ganesha’s favorite offering, symbolizing sweetness and prosperity.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp ghee
- Salt (a pinch)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 3/4 cup grated jaggery
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder (optional)
- Chopped dry fruits (optional)
Method:
- In a pan, mix the grated coconut and jaggery.
- Cook on medium heat until the jaggery melts and combines with the coconut.
- Add cardamom and nutmeg powder, stirring well. Cook until the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.
- Boil water with a pinch of salt and ghee.
- Once boiling, lower the heat and add the rice flour gradually, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cover and let it steam for a minute. Then, remove from heat.
- Knead the dough while it’s warm until smooth and pliable.
- Grease your hands with a bit of ghee. Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a ball.
- Flatten it into a small disc, keeping the edges thinner than the center.
- Place a spoonful of the filling in the center and gently gather the edges, pinching them to create pleats.
- Bring the pleats together at the top and seal, giving it the shape of a modak.
- Place the modaks in a greased steamer or on a muslin cloth.
- Steam for about 10–15 minutes on medium heat until the modaks are shiny and cooked through.
- Serve these delicious Ukadiche Modaks warm with a drizzle of ghee on top.