Rating: 3.61
(79)

Modak

September 27, 2023

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!

Modak
Modak
3.61 from 79 votes
Modak is a traditional Indian sweet dumpling made with rice flour and filled with a coconut and jaggery mixture. It is often prepared during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Servings 6 people
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 minute

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!

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 2gFat: 4gFiber: 1g
Calories: 200kcal
Meal Type: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: Indian Cuisine, indian food
Cooking Method: Fried
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Medium
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar Gail Andrews says:

    4 stars
    Great recipe! But I boiled the water for too long and it was really hot when I added the flour. Oops!

    1. User avatar Hillman Hunter says:

      2 stars
      Why would you boil it too long? That’s not how you cook! Maybe read the instructions more carefully next time.

    2. 4 stars
      I did that once too! Sometimes you just gotta roll with the punches. They still turned out tasty, right?

  2. 5 stars
    These Modaks are amazing! Just like my grandma used to make them. Thank you for sharing! 😊

  3. User avatar wilmer.schmitt says:

    4 stars
    This is basically just like dumplings. But still very nice 🙂

  4. User avatar donte.flatley says:

    1 star
    Sorry but this recipe is not authentic! Real modaks need more spices!

  5. User avatar lonny.franecki69 says:

    2 stars
    Honestly, I didn’t like the texture. Seemed too doughy for my taste. Not a fan.

  6. 4 stars
    Yum! Modaks easy to make. Jaggery sweet and coconut tasty, loved it. Will make again!

  7. User avatar Miss Kym Conn says:

    2 stars
    I couldn’t get the dough right. It was all sticky and a mess. What did I do wrong?

    1. User avatar Ms. Rico Schaefer says:

      4 stars
      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! 🙌

    2. 3 stars
      I dunno, maybe use less water next time? Or let the dough cool longer before handling it. Sticky dough is tough to work with!

  8. User avatar whitney.huels37 says:

    4 stars
    Easiest modak recipe I’ve tried! I can’t believe how simple it was. 👍

    1. User avatar lizette.rice says:

      5 stars
      I agree! I’d never thought making modaks could be so easy! 😍 Thanks for sharing this recipe!

  9. User avatar eura.breitenberg2009 says:

    2 stars
    I tried this but the dough was too sticky. What did I do wrong?

  10. User avatar noelia.stroman3 says:

    3 stars
    I don’t know the difference between jaggery and sugar. Can anyone help?

    1. User avatar grover.witting1971 says:

      4 stars
      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.

  11. 2 stars
    Too sweet for me. I think I’ll reduce the jaggery next time.

  12. User avatar zelma.gibson says:

    3 stars
    I’m not sure if I did something wrong, but mine fell apart when I tried to steam them. Any tips?

  13. User avatar ashely.klocko59 says:

    5 stars
    These modaks are amazing! My kids loved them!

  14. 5 stars
    These modaks are amazing! Tasted just like my grandma’s. Thank you!

  15. User avatar kim.rosenbaum94 says:

    2 stars
    I forgot to steam them long enough… Now they’re hard as rocks! Help!

  16. 1 star
    Just made these and they exploded! What did I do wrong?

    1. User avatar Lazaro Sipes Jr. says:

      3 stars
      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!

    2. User avatar inell.morissette68 says:

      4 stars
      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!

  17. User avatar marylou.corwin28 says:

    2 stars
    My dough fell apart! 🤷‍♀️ I might stick to store-bought.

  18. User avatar clark.welch24 says:

    3 stars
    Tastes really good, but takes too long to prepare.

    1. User avatar wilburn.rempel19 says:

      3 stars
      Tastes great, but it’s just too long for me. Can’t we just buy them instead? 😂

    2. User avatar aimee.schamberger12 says:

      5 stars
      I love modaks! They are a bit time-consuming, but so worth it for that delicious taste! 😋

  19. User avatar George Washington Sleptier says:

    5 stars
    WHO MADE THIS? They came out perfect! So delicious!!

  20. User avatar sonny.runolfsson says:

    2 stars
    I tried this recipe but my dough was super sticky and fell apart. What did I do wrong? 😕

  21. User avatar wally.haley86 says:

    4 stars
    Super simple recipe! I made these for Ganesh Chaturthi and they were a hit!

  22. User avatar scot.shanahan says:

    3 stars
    Modaks? I thought you had to make them with flour, not rice flour! 🤔

  23. User avatar carissa.jerde40 says:

    4 stars
    Super easy to make! My kids loved helping with the filling. Will definitely make again!

  24. User avatar bart.lowe2024 says:

    4 stars
    Yum! My kids loved helping me shape these! Fun recipe.

  25. User avatar clementina.considine says:

    5 stars
    Yum. 😍

    1. 5 stars
      Modaks are the best! I could eat them all day! 😋

    2. User avatar carroll.hyatt14 says:

      3 stars
      They look good, but I don’t think I’d enjoy making them. Seems hard!

  26. User avatar Draugr Deathlord says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have jaggery so I used brown sugar instead. Still tasted good but not the same 😅.

  27. User avatar graham.bashirian1972 says:

    4 stars
    Delicious! But I modified it a bit by adding some nuts to the filling. Yummy!

    1. User avatar armand.aufderhar2007 says:

      4 stars
      Nuts? That sounds interesting! But isn’t that a bit odd for a traditional dish? Still, if you liked it, go for it!

  28. 3 stars
    I found the dough too sticky. Am I doing something wrong? 🤔

    1. 4 stars
      Maybe you added too much water? I usually use less than 2 cups, gives a better texture. 🤔

  29. User avatar jeremiah.carroll52 says:

    1 star
    I don’t get why people like them. They taste weird. Yuck!

    1. User avatar garfield.sanford97 says:

      4 stars
      I totally agree, they’re not for everyone. The texture can be off-putting! 🥴

  30. User avatar ezequiel.breitenberg says:

    5 stars
    5 stars hands down! Can’t beat the traditional taste.

    1. 5 stars
      Absolutely! Modaks are the best! I love how they remind me of home. 😂

  31. 3 stars
    Wat is jaggery? Can I use sugar instead? 🤔

  32. User avatar leslie.wintheiser4 says:

    1 star
    This recipe is no good! My filling was too dry and it all fell apart. What a mess!

    1. User avatar lavette.huels62 says:

      4 stars
      Sorry to hear that! Did you follow all the measurement? The filling can be tricky sometimes.

  33. 5 stars
    These modaks turned out amazing! I followed the recipe exactly and they were a hit at my family gathering.

  34. User avatar tracey.stark1989 says:

    5 stars
    Tastes yum! I loved making these for Diwali! Will make again for sure!

    1. User avatar erik.hilpert3 says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, rice flour is kinda weird, right? Hope it wasn’t too sticky. Just concerned.

    2. User avatar ShanksOnePiece says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome! Modaks are a must for Diwali. Glad you enjoyed making them! 🎉

  35. User avatar broderick.medhurst15 says:

    3 stars
    Just okay, not the best. I mean, I’ve had better modaks. Sorry!

    1. User avatar josue.damore1971 says:

      4 stars
      I think these modaks are actually really good! Maybe you just need to try a different recipe next time.

  36. 3 stars
    Nice recipe! But can you use sugar instead of jaggery? Asking for a friend.

  37. User avatar chinchilla says:

    5 stars
    These turned out amazing! I couldn’t believe how good they taste. Perfect recipe!

  38. User avatar ashley.block1983 says:

    5 stars
    These modaks turned out great! The filling was so delicious. 😍

    1. User avatar w00d_ch0p says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad they turned out great! Modaks are the best, especially during festivals. 😋

    2. User avatar MAGA2024.Trumpster says:

      3 stars
      Great to hear! But I wonder if the filling was too sweet? Jaggery can be overpowering sometimes.

  39. User avatar vincenzo.abshire2001 says:

    5 stars
    Need to try this! My mom always made these for Ganesha Chaturthi! 😊

  40. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    3 stars
    What’s jiggery? Can I find it in any store?

  41. User avatar ulysses.lesch says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know what went wrong, but mine came out all soggy. Do you think I added too much water?

    1. User avatar jonna.farrell1960 says:

      4 stars
      You might have added too much water or didn’t cook it enough. Cooking is all about balance! Try again!

  42. User avatar floyd.kemmer1966 says:

    5 stars
    Yummy!!!!!

    1. 5 stars
      Absolutely agree! Modaks are the best festival treat. 😍

    2. User avatar woodrow.hoppe84 says:

      2 stars
      Yea, but isn’t it hard to make them? I tried once, and it ended up being a mess.

  43. User avatar hilario.okon says:

    5 stars
    These modaks were a hit at our ganesh chaturthi celebration! Thank you!

    1. User avatar dana.konopelski35 says:

      5 stars
      So glad to hear that! Modaks are a delightful treat, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi! Great job on making them!

  44. 2 stars
    Too much work for a sweet, I might just buy them next time.

    1. User avatar keenan.lowe87 says:

      5 stars
      Nah, the effort is worth it! They taste so much better when made fresh.

    2. User avatar marylou.schiller says:

      4 stars
      I feel you! Sometimes buying sweets is just easier. But homemade is way better, you know?

  45. User avatar roseline.jones80 says:

    4 stars
    Modaks are essential for Ganesh Chaturthi! Never knew they were this easy to make.

    1. User avatar karla.beer says:

      5 stars
      Absolutely! Modaks are the best for Ganesh Chaturthi. This recipe looks so easy, I can’t wait to try it!

  46. User avatar vernie.hilpert1991 says:

    3 stars
    I found it hard to get the dough to the right consistency. Maybe the water amount is off?

    1. 4 stars
      I had the same issue! Maybe try adding the water slowly? It might help you reach the right texture.

  47. User avatar van.koelpin1999 says:

    3 stars
    Too much work for a sweet. I prefer store-bought, much easier. Just saying.

  48. User avatar georgiann.volkman0 says:

    5 stars
    Had no idea what Modaks were! Tried this out of curiosity, and boy, they’re good! 😋

  49. User avatar lawerence.oreilly1951 says:

    1 star
    Modaks? more like soggy blobs lol. Never again!

3.61 from 79 votes
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