Modak

                                        

Lord Ganesh is called “Modakapriya”(lover of modak) because modak is considered to be his favourite sweet.  The word modak means "small part of bliss" and it symbolises spiritual knowledge. According to mythology, Goddess Parvati’smother Menavati used to feed modaks to her grandson Ganesha to fulfill his insatiable appetite.  Devi Parvati also started preparing modaks to keep his stomach full and then there is the tradition of making modaks on Ganesh Chaturthi.

Modak is rich in saturated fats, vitamins, and minerals, all of which can contribute to a robust immune system. It is a nutritious choice during pregnancy. These sweet dumplings consist of a good amount of iron, magnesium, and healthy fats.

Ingredients

For the covering:

1  cup Rice flour – for 6 modaks

Salt to taste

1 cup boiling water

For the filling:

3 tbsps jaggery

¾ cup grated coconut

½ tsp cardamom powder

Instruction

-          Boil the water and add it to the rice flour and salt. Mix with a spoon and leave it covered for ten minutes.

-          Meanwhile, keep the coconut and jaggery on low fire in a thick bottomed pan and kepp stirring. First, the jaggery will liquefy and then it becomes a soft solid, ready for the filling.

-          Add cardamom powder, mix well and remove from fire. Let it cool.

-          Now knead the rice flour water mix ad make into a smooth dough. Divide it into 6 portions.

-          Take each portion and rotate between the palms applying some pressure.

-          Flatten it between the palms. Holding it in the left hand, flatten it further with right hand fingers.

-          Gently make it cup shaped, keep some filling in the center and bring the periphery towards the center, join them and give the shape of the modk.

-          Boil water in a vessel, over which we will keep a plate with holes in it. Smear oil on the plate and arrange the modaks over it.

-          Cover it and steam for ten minutes. You can also steam the modaks in the pressure cooker without the valve, just like we steam idlis. Or you can even deep fry the modaks and enjoy a different taste.

-          Offer the modaks to Ganeshji and then enjoy!