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By mnk.kalbhor
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Ukadiche Modak is a traditional Indian sweet dumpling that holds a special place in the hearts of millions, especially during the auspicious festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. These dumplings are not just a treat for the taste buds; they are a symbol of devotion and love offered to Lord Ganesha. NutriTokri’s Rice Flour brings a unique twist to this classic recipe, making it healthier without compromising on the authentic flavors.
Ukadiche Modak, also known as steamed modak, is a traditional Indian sweet dumpling. It is particularly associated with the state of Maharashtra and is prepared during the auspicious festival of Ganesh Chaturthi as an offering to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu deity of wisdom and prosperity. “Ukadiche” translates to “steamed” in Marathi, the language of Maharashtra, and it refers to the cooking method used for these modaks.
Ingredients:
For the Outer Cover (Rice Flour Dough):
- 1 cup NutriTokri’s Rice Flour
- 1 cup water
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tsp ghee (clarified butter)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup grated fresh coconut
- 1/2 cup jaggery (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- A pinch of nutmeg powder (optional)
- A handful of chopped nuts (cashews and almonds)
- 1 tsp ghee
Instructions:
For the Rice Flour Dough:
Boil 1 cup of water in a deep saucepan. Add a pinch of salt and 1 tsp of ghee to it.
Once the water comes to a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low and add NutriTokri’s Rice Flour gradually while stirring continuously with a wooden spatula. Keep stirring to avoid lumps.
Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes until it comes together as a dough. It should be soft and pliable.
Turn off the heat and cover the dough with a damp cloth. Allow it to cool for a few minutes until it’s safe to handle.
For the Filling:
In a separate pan, heat 1 tsp of ghee. Add chopped nuts and sauté them until they turn golden brown. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add the grated coconut and jaggery. Cook on low heat until the jaggery melts and combines with the coconut. Stir continuously to avoid burning.
Add cardamom powder, nutmeg powder (if using), and the sautéed nuts. Mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Turn off the heat and let the filling cool to room temperature.
Shaping the Modaks:
Grease your palms with a little ghee to prevent sticking. Take a small portion of the rice flour dough and roll it into a smooth ball.
Flatten the ball into a small disc by gently pressing it between your palms. Keep the edges thin and the center slightly thicker.
Place a spoonful of the coconut-jaggery filling in the center of the disc.
Bring the edges of the disc together, sealing the filling inside. You can make pleats on the outer covering to give it a traditional look.
Repeat this process for the remaining dough and filling.
Steaming the Modaks:
Grease a steaming plate or idli stand with ghee.
Arrange the shaped modaks on the greased plate, leaving some space between each modak.
Steam the modaks in a steamer for about 15-20 minutes on medium heat or until they become translucent and firm.
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom and prosperity. The festival typically lasts for 10 days and is observed with great enthusiasm in various parts of India. The dates of Ganesh Chaturthi can vary each year based on the Hindu lunar calendar.
In 2023, Ganesh Chaturthi is expected to begin on September 19th, which is the Chaturthi (fourth day) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, and it will conclude on September 28th, the day of Anant Chaturdashi.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that the rice flour, coconut, and jaggery are fresh. Fresh ingredients contribute to the authentic taste and texture of Ukadiche Modak.
Balancing Sweetness: Adjust the amount of jaggery according to your taste. Some prefer a sweeter filling, while others prefer it less sweet. Taste the mixture and make adjustments as needed.
Even Dough Thickness: When rolling out the rice flour dough, aim for even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Thicker dough can result in undercooked modaks.
Proper Sealing: Seal the modaks properly to prevent any leakage of the filling while steaming. A well-sealed modak will have an attractive shape and retain the flavors inside.
Steam Carefully: Steam the modaks on a medium flame. Avoid high heat, as it can cause them to crack or become hard.
Use a Steamer: If you have a traditional modak steamer, use it. Otherwise, a regular steamer can also do the job. Just ensure that the modaks are placed on a greased surface to prevent sticking.
Practice Makes Perfect: Shaping modaks can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re new to it. Don’t be discouraged if your first few modaks aren’t perfect. With practice, you’ll improve your shaping skills.
Enjoy Fresh: Ukadiche Modak is best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve them immediately after steaming for the best taste and texture.
Variations: Get creative with your fillings. You can add roasted nuts, poppy seeds, or even a hint of saffron for unique flavors.
Share the Joy: Ganesh Chaturthi is about sharing love and joy. Share your homemade NutriTokri’s Rice Flour Ukadiche Modak with family and friends to spread the festive spirit.
