Modak: A Popular Indian Sweet Dumpling
About Modak:
Modak is a traditional Indian sweet dumpling that holds a special place in the hearts of people across India. It is particularly famous in the state of Maharashtra, where it is closely associated with the auspicious festival of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Ingredients:
To make Modak, you will need the following ingredients:
– Rice flour
– Coconut
– Jaggery
– Ghee (clarified butter)
– Cardamom powder
– Fennel seeds (optional)
Preparation:
1. Begin by preparing the filling. Grate the coconut and combine it with jaggery in a pan. Cook on low heat until the jaggery melts and the mixture thickens. Add cardamom powder and fennel seeds for extra flavor, if desired. Let the filling cool.
2. In a separate pan, bring water to a boil and add ghee. Lower the heat and gradually add the rice flour while continuously stirring. Mix until the rice flour is well incorporated and the mixture forms a dough.
3. Remove the dough from the heat and let it cool slightly. Knead it well to ensure a smooth texture.
4. Take a small portion of the dough and flatten it into a small disc-like shape with your fingers or using a modak mold if available.
5. Place a spoonful of the coconut and jaggery filling in the center of the disc.
6. Bring the edges of the disc together to seal the filling, forming a modak shape. Ensure the filling is completely enclosed within the rice flour dough.
7. Repeat the process to make more modaks with the remaining dough and filling.
8. Steam the modaks in a steamer for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are cooked and firm.
9. Allow the modaks to cool down before serving.
Health Benefits:
Modak can be enjoyed as a delicious festive treat, but it also offers some health benefits. The outer shell made from rice flour is gluten-free and contains less fat compared to deep-fried snacks. The filling of coconut and jaggery provides essential nutrients such as dietary fiber and iron. However, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.
Experience the joy of making and savoring Modak during Ganesh Chaturthi or any special occasion, and relish the traditional flavors of India in every bite!

Ingredients
- For the Outer Covering:
- 2 cups rice flour
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Sweet Filling:
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 1 cup jaggery grated
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- pinch salt
- For the Outer Covering:
- a few drops ghee or oil for greasing
Instructions
- For the Outer Covering:
- 1. In a pan, boil the water along with salt and a few drops of ghee or oil.
- 2. Once the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and gradually add the rice flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- 3. Cook the mixture until it forms a soft dough-like consistency. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
- For the Sweet Filling:
- 4. In a separate pan, add the grated coconut, jaggery, cardamom powder, and a pinch of salt.
- 5. Cook on low heat until the jaggery melts and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
- To Assemble:
- 6. Take a small portion of the rice dough and shape it into a small ball.
- 7. Flatten the ball with your fingers and create a small well in the center.
- 8. Place a spoonful of the sweet filling in the well and seal the edges to form a dumpling shape.
- 9. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
- 10. Steam the modaks in a steamer or idli cooker for about 15-20 minutes.
- 11. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy the delicious Modaks as an offering to Lord Ganesha or as a sweet treat!
Great recipe! But I boiled the water for too long and it was really hot when I added the flour. Oops!
Why would you boil it too long? That’s not how you cook! Maybe read the instructions more carefully next time.
I did that once too! Sometimes you just gotta roll with the punches. They still turned out tasty, right?
These Modaks are amazing! Just like my grandma used to make them. Thank you for sharing! 😊
This is basically just like dumplings. But still very nice 🙂
Sorry but this recipe is not authentic! Real modaks need more spices!
Honestly, I didn’t like the texture. Seemed too doughy for my taste. Not a fan.
Yum! Modaks easy to make. Jaggery sweet and coconut tasty, loved it. Will make again!
I couldn’t get the dough right. It was all sticky and a mess. What did I do wrong?
Sounds like you might have added the rice flour too quickly or didn’t stir enough. It can be tricky to get the right consistency! Don’t give up; keep trying! 🙌
I dunno, maybe use less water next time? Or let the dough cool longer before handling it. Sticky dough is tough to work with!
Easiest modak recipe I’ve tried! I can’t believe how simple it was. 👍
I agree! I’d never thought making modaks could be so easy! 😍 Thanks for sharing this recipe!
I tried this but the dough was too sticky. What did I do wrong?
I don’t know the difference between jaggery and sugar. Can anyone help?
Jaggery is like a healthier version of sugar, it’s less processed. Sugar is just white and sweet. Jaggery has more minerals and stuff, though.
Too sweet for me. I think I’ll reduce the jaggery next time.
I’m not sure if I did something wrong, but mine fell apart when I tried to steam them. Any tips?
These modaks are amazing! My kids loved them!
These modaks are amazing! Tasted just like my grandma’s. Thank you!
I forgot to steam them long enough… Now they’re hard as rocks! Help!
Just made these and they exploded! What did I do wrong?
Exploded?? That’s different! Maybe the dough was too wet or cooked too long? I had a similar issue once. Just take a deep breath and try again, practice makes perfect!
Oh no! It sounds like you might have added the rice flour too quickly to the boiling water. You gotta stir it real good to avoid lumps. Don’t give up; you’ll get it right next time!
My dough fell apart! 🤷♀️ I might stick to store-bought.
Tastes really good, but takes too long to prepare.
Tastes great, but it’s just too long for me. Can’t we just buy them instead? 😂
I love modaks! They are a bit time-consuming, but so worth it for that delicious taste! 😋
WHO MADE THIS? They came out perfect! So delicious!!
I tried this recipe but my dough was super sticky and fell apart. What did I do wrong? 😕
Super simple recipe! I made these for Ganesh Chaturthi and they were a hit!
Modaks? I thought you had to make them with flour, not rice flour! 🤔
Super easy to make! My kids loved helping with the filling. Will definitely make again!
Yum! My kids loved helping me shape these! Fun recipe.
Yum. 😍
Modaks are the best! I could eat them all day! 😋
They look good, but I don’t think I’d enjoy making them. Seems hard!
I didn’t have jaggery so I used brown sugar instead. Still tasted good but not the same 😅.
Delicious! But I modified it a bit by adding some nuts to the filling. Yummy!
Nuts? That sounds interesting! But isn’t that a bit odd for a traditional dish? Still, if you liked it, go for it!
I found the dough too sticky. Am I doing something wrong? 🤔
Maybe you added too much water? I usually use less than 2 cups, gives a better texture. 🤔
I don’t get why people like them. They taste weird. Yuck!
I totally agree, they’re not for everyone. The texture can be off-putting! 🥴
5 stars hands down! Can’t beat the traditional taste.
Absolutely! Modaks are the best! I love how they remind me of home. 😂
Wat is jaggery? Can I use sugar instead? 🤔
This recipe is no good! My filling was too dry and it all fell apart. What a mess!
Sorry to hear that! Did you follow all the measurement? The filling can be tricky sometimes.
These modaks turned out amazing! I followed the recipe exactly and they were a hit at my family gathering.
Tastes yum! I loved making these for Diwali! Will make again for sure!
I dunno, rice flour is kinda weird, right? Hope it wasn’t too sticky. Just concerned.
That’s awesome! Modaks are a must for Diwali. Glad you enjoyed making them! 🎉
Just okay, not the best. I mean, I’ve had better modaks. Sorry!
I think these modaks are actually really good! Maybe you just need to try a different recipe next time.
Nice recipe! But can you use sugar instead of jaggery? Asking for a friend.
These turned out amazing! I couldn’t believe how good they taste. Perfect recipe!
These modaks turned out great! The filling was so delicious. 😍
I’m so glad they turned out great! Modaks are the best, especially during festivals. 😋
Great to hear! But I wonder if the filling was too sweet? Jaggery can be overpowering sometimes.
Need to try this! My mom always made these for Ganesha Chaturthi! 😊
What’s jiggery? Can I find it in any store?
I don’t know what went wrong, but mine came out all soggy. Do you think I added too much water?
You might have added too much water or didn’t cook it enough. Cooking is all about balance! Try again!
Yummy!!!!!
Absolutely agree! Modaks are the best festival treat. 😍
Yea, but isn’t it hard to make them? I tried once, and it ended up being a mess.
These modaks were a hit at our ganesh chaturthi celebration! Thank you!
So glad to hear that! Modaks are a delightful treat, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi! Great job on making them!
Too much work for a sweet, I might just buy them next time.
Nah, the effort is worth it! They taste so much better when made fresh.
I feel you! Sometimes buying sweets is just easier. But homemade is way better, you know?
Modaks are essential for Ganesh Chaturthi! Never knew they were this easy to make.
Absolutely! Modaks are the best for Ganesh Chaturthi. This recipe looks so easy, I can’t wait to try it!
I found it hard to get the dough to the right consistency. Maybe the water amount is off?
I had the same issue! Maybe try adding the water slowly? It might help you reach the right texture.
Too much work for a sweet. I prefer store-bought, much easier. Just saying.
Had no idea what Modaks were! Tried this out of curiosity, and boy, they’re good! 😋
Modaks? more like soggy blobs lol. Never again!