This Ganesh Chaturthi, try these tasty modak varieties that are sure to be Bappa’s favourite!
The atmosphere turns spiritual, serene, and joyous as we welcome
Lord Ganesha into our homes, neighborhoods, and grand pandals. Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of the beloved elephant-headed deity, revered as the god of wisdom and prosperity. Devotees offer prayers, share prasada, and distribute sweets, especially modaks, Ganesha’s favorite treat. While the traditional steamed modak remains the most cherished offering, a variety of modaks have emerged over time, each with its own distinct taste and texture. This Ganesh Chaturthi, let’s explore some varieties of this festive sweet.
Chana Dal Modak
Cook soaked chana dal with coconut, jaggery, nutmeg, cardamom, and poppy seeds for the filling. For the shell, boil water, add rice flour, and steam briefly. Knead into a smooth dough and shape the dough into modaks, stuff with the chana dal mixture, dip in water, and steam until cooked. Your modaks that are both nutritious and delicious are ready!
Rava Modak
The outer covering of these modaks is made with fine sooji or rava, giving it a delicate yet slightly grainy texture. Inside, the filling is prepared with a classic blend of coconut and jaggery, which adds natural sweetness and rich flavor. They are also quick and easy to prepare, making them a lighter variation of the traditional modak while still offering a unique taste experience that many enjoy during the festive season.
Chocolate Modak
Imagine combining modaks with another favorite indulgence, chocolate! Start by grating the mawa and adding it to a wide non-stick pan. Cook on medium-low heat for about 2 minutes until it begins to melt. Stir in the sugar, then switch off the heat and mix in the cocoa powder. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool for 10–15 minutes. Once cooled, shape the mixture into delicious chocolate modaks and enjoy!
Sweet Potato Modak
Don’t judge this modak just by its name! Sweet potatoes bring a mild earthy flavor along with their natural sweetness. In sweet potato modaks, the mashed vegetable is used in the filling or dough, making them not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber, these modaks offer the perfect blend of taste and health in every bite.
Quinoa Modak
If you’re avoiding sugar but still crave sweets, quinoa modaks are the perfect pick! Gluten-free and rich in protein, quinoa is also a complete protein source, making these modaks both healthy and satisfying. Lightly toast quinoa flour for about 5 minutes until fragrant, then let it cool. Mix it with cashew nut powder, jaggery powder and desiccated coconut to form a dough. If it feels dry, add a little condensed milk or water. Finally, shape the mixture into delicious modaks.
