In today's post, bringing you recipe of one of the most famous maharashtrian dishes called modak - steamed modak recipe also known as ukadiche modak.
The onset of Bhadrapada month reminds us the arrival of Lord Ganesha at our abode, isn't it?
Decorations, colorful idols, flowers, cradles, songs and most importantly the naughty friend Ganesha's favorite sweet modak comes to our mind when ganesh chaturthi is just round the corner.
Random facts about Ganesh Chaturthi:- The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi was started by 'Lokmanya Tilak' a freedom fighter.
- Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayak Chaturthi is celebrated all over India, it is marked as the birth of lord "Ganesha".
- It usually falls in the Hindu calendar month of Bhadra that falls between of mid August and mid September.
- Ganesha has many names like Vighnaharta, Gauriputra , Lambodhar, the list goes on.
- Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated all over the world with massive procession.
- In Mumbai, every household has the idol of lord Ganesha who worship for 10 days.
- The 10 day festival ends with Ganesh Visarjan on Anant Chaturthi, when the idol is immersed is the water followed by music and dance with the chanting "Ganpati Bappa Morya"
Modak holds a special place in the worship of Lord Ganesha, it is considered as a favorite food of lord Ganesha. During Ganesh Chaturthi the pooja always concludes with offerings of modaks to the elephant god. His love for modaks earned the name 'Modakapriya' for him.
Today's post is all about steamed modak or ukadiche modak recipe, as the name suggest ukad which means from rice flour in marathi.
Steamed modaks or ukadiche modak is ideal for babies above 11 months (if they are able to chew). Steamed modaks are rich in iron and carbs.
For toddler and older kids, these steamed modaks make an excellent breakfast or evening snack.
Steamed modak recipe step by step method:
Step 1: First let's make the filling for modak
Heat oil in a pan add in coconut and the jaggery mixture. Give it a stir and add in the elaichi powder.
Mix well and cook the jaggery and coconut mixture in a low flame. Jaggery starts to melt. Let the mixture turn dry.
Let the coconut and jaggery mixture cool down. Keep aside.
Step 2: Making the dough for the modak
Boil some water in a pan. In a bowl add in rice flour. Mix the water with the rice flour. Switch off the flame.
Knead it into soft dough. You can grease some oil in your hands while kneading the dough
If you feel the dough is dry add some water and knead the dough. Make small balls from the dough using your palm or using the rolling pin
Using your palm flatten the dough you can grease oil while doing this
Place the filling in the center. Fold the sides of the modak as shown and bring together the dough you can try giving shapes with your fingers or you can use the modak moulds that are readily available in the market.
Make all the modaks and steam these for 10 to 15 minutes on a low flame.
Steamed Modak or Ukadiche Modak
Notes:
- Desiccated coconut can also be used for the filling
- Nutmeg powder or poppy seeds can be added to the filling
- Do not over cook the jaggery, as it might harden
- Never give this steamed modaks to babies who cant chew (without teeth) as the dry coconut mixture can be a choking hazard
Do try this steamed modak recipe for kids this Ganesh Chaturthi .
Have you tried variations of modak recipe for ganesh festival? Share your recipes with us.