Modak | ಮೋದಕ

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ. 

Modaka is one of the special sweet goodies prepared especially during the festival of Ganesha Chaturthi. There is a belief that the dishes Modaka and Pancha kajjaya are the favorites of Lord Ganesha among all other dishes. I really don't know how far its true, but all these dishes taste wonderful for our tongue also!

Festive preparations are going on in our house from last week. I have prepared few dishes in advance for the festival and one among them is Modaka. Every time, I used to prepare Modaka with rice flour binding. This time, I have followed my sister's recipe and used Maida flour for the cover. Modakas came out really well with a thin, crispy outer layer and tasted really good.

Here is the recipe of Modaka for you. Try preparing them for the festival and enjoy with near and dear ones :)

Time required: 1 1/2 hours

Difficulty Level: Difficult  

Yield : 30 Modakas of medium size

Ingredients:

• Oil for deep frying

- For Stuffing:

• Sugar - 1 1/2 cup (or according to taste)
• Jaggery (optional) - 1 tbsp
• Deciccated / Fresh grated coconut - 3 cup
• Water - 1 cup
• Sesame (Till) seeds - 2 tbsp
• Cardamom powder - 3/4 tsp

- For Binding:

• Maida (Plain flour) - 3 cup
• Salt - a big pinch
• Ghee - 1 1/2 tsp
• Water - 1 cup approx

Method:

• Combine Maida (Plain flour), salt and ghee in a mixing bowl. Mix it nicely using your hands for 3 - 4 minutes. Add water little by little and prepare a smooth, non sticky dough. Cover it and keep aside for 15 - 20 minutes.
• Take a heavy bottom pan. Add shredded coconut, sugar, jaggery (optional) and bring to boil. 
• In the meanwhile, dry roast the sesame seeds on low flame till golden brown and keep aside. 
• Keep stirring the coconut mixture occasionally. Once all the water content is dried out, add the roasted sesame seeds and cardamom powder and switch off the flame.   
• Divide the binding dough into small portions of equal size and give them the ball shape. Take the balls one by one, dust with some dry flour and roll them into small, very thin circles. Roll them as thin as possible.
• Pour a tablespoon full of coconut mixture in the middle of the circle. Combine all the edges of the circle, pinch them and give it the Modak shape.
• Deep fry the prepared Modakas in hot oil on medium flame till golden brown. 

Tips:

•  Both fresh grated coconut as well as desiccated coconut will hold good for this recipe. You can make use of either of these. 
• Jaggery can be substituted with sugar for this recipe. Modak tastes even better when jaggery is used. 
• To ensure even color, keep stirring the Modakas while deep frying.