Rating: 3.74
(169)

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
3.74 from 169 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 jeffery.trantow5 says:

    4 stars
    Gonna try these with my mom. She always made them better. 🤷‍♂️

    1. User avatar mira.quigley2011 says:

      3 stars
      Not sure if you can replicate her magic. But good luck, either way! 😂

    2. User avatar Ilban Richese says:

      4 stars
      That’s sweet! Cooking with mom always brings back memories. Hope they’re as good as hers!

  4. User avatar andera.hauck0 says:

    5 stars
    So good, I ate the whole batch by myself! Can I freeze them? 5 stars!

    1. User avatar byron.streich20 says:

      3 stars
      Freeze? I thought they would get soggy or something. But I guess maybe they can be good still? Idk.

    2. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

      5 stars
      Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure to place them in an airtight container. They’ll taste just as good when reheated!

  5. User avatar wilmer.schmitt says:

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

  6. User avatar albert.boyle2006 says:

    4 stars
    The filling was tasty, but my jaggery took longer to melt than expected. I kept cooking until it thickened like the recipe said. Worth the wait.

    1. User avatar anthony.kuvalis23 says:

      5 stars
      Same here! My jaggery always seems stubborn—i just cook it longer on low and it comes together eventually. Glad you found it worth the wait 😊

    2. User avatar aldo.gulgowski38 says:

      4 stars
      Maybe your jaggery was older/drier? I usually grate it fresh or it won’t melt fast. Still, good job getting the right thick consistency.

  7. User avatar donte.flatley says:

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

  8. User avatar lonny.franecki69 says:

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

  9. 4 stars
    Yum! Modaks easy to make. Jaggery sweet and coconut tasty, loved it. Will make again!

  10. User avatar guy.nienow23 says:

    5 stars
    These are the best modaks I’ve ever made! Easy recipe and so delicious.

    1. User avatar jestine.jenkins says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad you loved them! Modaks are truly a delightful treat. What was your favorite part of the recipe?

    2. User avatar wendell.funk says:

      3 stars
      Best ever? Really? I’ve tried this before, and it didn’t turn out so good. Maybe I messed up somewhere. 🤔

  11. 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!

  12. 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!

  13. User avatar eura.breitenberg2009 says:

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

  14. User avatar geoffrey.lockman23 says:

    3 stars
    Not sure about rice flour + water ratio—mine formed lumps unless I whisked like crazy. Also I didn’t grease the steamer much and they stuck a little. Still ate them anyway 😅

  15. 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.

  16. 2 stars
    Too sweet for me. I think I’ll reduce the jaggery next time.

  17. 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?

  18. User avatar ashely.klocko59 says:

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

  19. 5 stars
    These modaks are amazing! Tasted just like my grandma’s. Thank you!

  20. User avatar kim.rosenbaum94 says:

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

3.74 from 169 votes
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