10 Unique Modak Recipes for Ganesh Chathurthi
Ganesh Chathurthi is just around the corner, and you know what that means – lots and lots of modaks!! Those soft, triangular delights are popular all year round, but they gain special significance during this festival, being considered the favorite food of the elephant deity Ganesha. Not surprising, since one of his many names is ‘Modakapriya’, translated to modak-lover!! This is the reason modaks are offered during Ganapati pujas, usually in odd number like 11 or 21.
Did you know that Japan also has a modak version, also offered as a divine offering? Yes, it’s true! Their modaks are shaped differently, however, and use a bean paste and curd filling instead of coconut.
Modak is also called modaka or mothagam, and the steamed version, called Ukdiche Modak, is the most popular one. The classic modak has a shell made of rice flour, and a filling of coconut or jaggery. Modaks are generally sweet, although savory versions are also being experimented with.
So I’m sure you’re waiting to see the cool modak recipes we’ve got lined up! We’ve collected here a list of 10 modak recipes, some of which are traditional elements, while some use some cool and quirky combinations. At any rate, we’ve got enough here to keep everyone in the whole area happy!
Note: Some of these recipes mention the use of refined sugar, which is not exactly recommended for good health, so please feel free to skip it. You can replace it with natural sweeteners like Jaggery Powder, Coconut Sugar or Dry Dates Powder.
1. Ukadiche Steamed Modak
Let’s begin with the classic Ukadiche modak recipe, courtesy the queen of cookery, Tarla Dalal! This is the original recipe that features a rice flour shell, stuffed with a mixture of jaggery and coconut. So if you’ve got modak purists in the family, you can make some of these for them.
2. Panchakhadya Modak
The name of this modak recipe is from the five ingredients used in it’s filling, all of which begin with ‘kh’. Isn’t it so much more interesting when recipes have such fun names? Indfused gives this recipe a child-friendly twist by dipping the modaks in white chocolate – yum!’
3. Kesar Malai Modak
Just the name of this modak sounds delicious, with soft cheese and saffron giving it a lovely flavor. I think I could gorge on these for days on end. The saffron also gives it a beautiful golden color, making it truly a divine treat!! Get the instructions from Herbivore Cucina.
4. Chocolate Modak
You can’t have a modak recipe list without including a chocolate modak recipe! Curry Trail uses a chocolate and almonds classic combo, which is why nutty chocolate bars are so popular! This is one modak recipe the kids are sure to love!
5. Cashew Caramel Modak
Here’s another unique modak recipe from Jagruti’s Cooking Odyssey. Use fresh desiccated coconut for best results and see if you can make the caramel at home too. These modaks are truly rich and delicious and are sure to impress your guests as soon as they dig into them.
6. Vermicelli Modak
Vermicelli kheer or payasam is a regular favorite at our home; everyone loves it and that’s why I’m a little partial to this recipe from FirstTimerCook! Roasted vermicelli or seviyan give the modaks a lovely aroma and of course, extra crunch!!
7. Motichoor Modak
Love motichoor laddus? Then you’re going to be a huge fan of this motichoor modak recipe from Archanas Kitchen! With rose water, cardamom and elaichi, this is a beautifully flavored sweet dish, but it’s a little heavy, so go easy on the modaks if you’re watching your weight and your waist!
8. Strawberry Modak
Adding strawberries to any recipe immediately makes them look so pretty, and this modak recipe from Herbivore Cucina is no exception! These are perfect for gifting, and you can get that gorgeous color from fresh strawberries as well!
9. Fried Modak
Once in a while, just forget about calories and feast on a crunchy, munchy treat like these fried modaks from Madhuras Recipe! Just imagine biting into this crispy modak and hearing that satisfying crunch ….bliss!!
10. Modak Payasam
If no festival in your home is complete without a kheer or payasam of some sort, don’t worry. FirstTimerCook has a unique modak payasam for you! You can try any modak flavor of your choice, as long as it’s steamed. I can imagine the chocolate ones will be yum in that milky base!
If you’ve seen 10 Unique Modak Recipes for Ganesh modaks before, you know that they have a classic shape that is sort of conical, with a wide base and pointed top. Modaks can be steamed, fried or baked, and depending upon your modak recipe, you’ll need all or some of these:
1. Modak Mould
This is a must have to make modaks, and the moulds are available in plastic, aluminium or stainless steel. Go for a non-plastic version for better quality and more durability.
2. Steamer
You can steam modaks in an idli steamer or any other steamer you usually use. It can be bamboo, steel or aluminium, although you can try a microwave steamer too.
3. Serving Tray
Modaks are offered to the deity and they’re also served to guests. Serve your yummilicious modaks in style with a beautiful serving tray to bring out the festive spirit.
4. Sweet Boxes
Modaks are also great to gift to your family, friends and neighbors, but don’t just dump them in any old plastic container! These pretty sweet boxes are perfect to gift, and match the lovely treats inside.
5 Easy Recipes Gokulashtami (Sri Krishna Jayanthi)
You can mix and match these modak recipes, using the filling from one with the shell for the other, but do keep some harmony of ingredients in mind. Make some modaks in different colors and arrange them beautifully on a platter or a serving tray or in a gift box. They’ll be a feast not just for the taste buds but for the eyes as well! Hope you like my information about 10 Unique Modak Recipes for Ganesh please like and share….
