As the vibrant festival of Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, it’s the perfect time to celebrate with one of the most cherished traditional sweets: Ukadiche Modak. This delightful treat, steamed to perfection, is not only a festive favourite but also a symbol of prosperity and joy. At Maharaja Farmers Market, we’re excited to share this time-honoured recipe with you, using the freshest ingredients to make your celebration even more special.
What Is Ukadiche Modak?
Ukadiche Modak is a traditional Maharashtrian sweet dumpling made from rice flour stuffed with a rich mixture of coconut and jaggery. It’s steamed to create a soft, flavorful treat that is both nutritious and delicious. Often offered as a prasad (sacred offering) to Lord Ganesha during Ganesh Chaturthi, this sweet is believed to bring good fortune and blessings.
Ingredients for Ukadiche Modak
For the Dough:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon ghee (clarified butter)
- A pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup grated fresh coconut
- 1/2 cup jaggery (grated or chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- One tablespoon ghee
- A handful of chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling:
- Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the grated coconut and cook for a few minutes until it starts to release its aroma.
- Add jaggery and cook, stirring constantly, until it melts and blends well with the coconut. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in cardamom powder and mix well.
- Allow the mixture to cool. If desired, you can add chopped nuts for extra texture and flavour.
2. Make the Dough:
- Boil water with a pinch of salt and ghee in a pan.
- Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the rice flour and stir continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture comes together. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Knead the dough gently while it’s still warm to ensure a smooth consistency.
3. Shape the Modaks:
- Divide the dough into small balls.
- Flatten each ball into a small disc on your palm.
- Place a spoonful of the coconut-jaggery filling in the centre of the disc.
- Gather the edges of the dough around the filling and pinch them together to form a modak shape. You can use a modak mould if you have one or shape them by hand.
4. Steam the Modaks:
- Arrange the modaks in a steamer lined with a cloth or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Steam over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the dough becomes glossy and firm.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the modaks to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Offer them to Lord Ganesha and share them with family and friends as a symbol of your devotion and celebration.
Tips for Perfect Ukadiche Modak
- Ensure the coconut jaggery filling is well-cooked to avoid a runny consistency.
- Knead the dough while it’s still warm for the best texture.
- Steaming time may vary, so check to ensure the modaks are cooked through.
Find the Freshest Ingredients at Maharaja Farmers Market
At Maharaja Farmers Market, we’re committed to bringing you the highest quality, fresh ingredients for all your culinary needs. Our selection of rice flour, jaggery, and coconut is perfect for making Ukadiche Modak, which is both delicious and authentic. Visit us to pick up everything you need for this festive season!
Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with the sweet, comforting flavours of Ukadiche Modak, and make your festivities genuinely memorable. From all of us at Maharaja Farmers Market, we wish you a joyous and blessed Ganesh Chaturthi!