Ganesh Chaturthi is right around the corner, which means it’s time to give your eardrums a workout and your fitness schedule a reason to cower! My most vivid Ganesh Chaturthi memories are from my childhood, when we crafted deformed but cute clay Ganeshas, blissfully unaware of the eco-friendly concept.
For the unversed, Ganesh Chaturthi is like Diwali’s enthusiastic cousin! This vibrant Hindu festival, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is celebrated with an unmatched zeal in India. It’s the time when we pay homage to the elephant-headed deity, Lord Ganesha, the patron of wisdom, prosperity, and fresh beginnings. During these festive days, we pamper clay idols of Lord Ganesha with prayers, bhajans (devotional songs), and mouth watering sweets like modaks, said to be Ganesha’s all-time favorite.
While traditional modaks are deep-fried and loaded with sugar, here’s a healthier alternative that’s just as delicious.
Healthy Modak Recipe
Ingredients
For the Outer Covering:
– 1 cup rice flour
– 1 cup water
– A pinch of salt
– 1 teaspoon ghee (clarified butter)
For the Filling:
– 1 cup grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
– 1/2 cup jaggery, grated
– 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
– A pinch of salt
– A few chopped nuts (optional)
Procedure
Outer Covering:
1. Begin by preparing the outer covering. In a saucepan, bring one cup of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of ghee to it.
2. Gradually add one cup of rice flour to the boiling water while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low.
3. Continue to stir the mixture until it comes together and forms a smooth dough. Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Once the dough is cool enough to handle, knead it into a soft and pliable dough. Cover it with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
Filling:
1. In another pan, add the grated coconut and grated jaggery. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously.
2. The jaggery will melt and combine with the coconut. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, becomes aromatic, and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
3. Add cardamom powder and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. You can also add chopped nuts for some extra crunch.
Assembling:
1. Take a small portion of the rice flour dough and flatten it in the palm of your hand to form a small disc.
2. Place a spoonful of the coconut-jaggery filling in the center of the disc.
3. Gently fold the edges of the disc to cover the filling and shape it into a modak. You can also use a modak mold if you have one.
4. Repeat this process to make more modaks.
Steaming:
1. Place the modaks in a steamer or an idli steamer and steam them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
2. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before removing them from the steamer.
This Ganesh Chaturthi, try out this healthy modak recipe for a healthy indulgence. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!
Read my other recipes here.
