Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most beloved festivals in India, celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm. Among the various offerings made to Lord Ganesha, Modak is considered his favourite sweet.
Modak, a delicious dumpling filled with a sweet coconut and jaggery mixture, is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a symbol of love and devotion. This blog will guide you through a simple Modak recipe that you can easily prepare at home, even if you have minimal kitchen equipment.
Ingredients Needed
Before we dive into the recipe, let's gather the ingredients:
For the filling
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 1 cup jaggery, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of nutmeg powder (optional)
For the dough
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ghee
- A pinch of salt
Essential Kitchen Appliances
To make Modak, you'll need a few basic kitchen appliances. Here's a quick list:
- Induction Cooker: This is used to heat water and prepare the dough.
- Steamer for Cooking: To steam the Modaks to perfection. You can also use a steam cooker if you have one.
- Multicooker: A versatile appliance like the Wipro Vesta 1.2 l Outer Lid Multicooker Kettle can be used for various steps, such as boiling water for the dough and steaming the Modaks.
Step-by-Step Modak Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Filling
Cook the Coconut and Jaggery Mixture:
- Start by heating your multicooker on the induction cooker.
- Add the grated coconut and jaggery to the multicooker. Stir continuously on a low flame until the jaggery melts and blends with the coconut.
- Add cardamom powder and nutmeg powder (if using) to enhance the flavour.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens and becomes sticky. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Preparing the Dough
Boil Water
- Pour 1 cup of water into the Wipro Vesta Multicooker Kettle.
- Turn on the kettle and let the water come to a boil. The appliance's cool touch function ensures that the exterior remains cool while boiling, making it safe to handle.
Mix the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, add the rice flour, salt, and 1 teaspoon of ghee.
- Pour the boiling water into the rice flour mixture and stir quickly with a spoon to form a smooth dough.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to cool a little.
Knead the Dough
- Once the dough has cooled enough to handle, knead it well until it becomes soft and pliable.
- If the dough feels too dry, you can add a few drops of water.
Step 3: Shaping the Modaks
Divide the Dough
Divide the dough into small lemon-sized balls.
Shape the Modaks
- Take a dough ball and flatten it using your fingers to form a small cup or disc shape.
- Place a teaspoon of the coconut-jaggery filling in the centre.
- Carefully gather the edges of the dough to the centre and pinch them together to seal the Modak.
- You can also use a Modak mould to shape them for more uniformity.
Step 4: Steaming the Modaks
Prepare the Steamer:
- Fill the base of your steamer with water to cook it and bring it to a boil.
- Grease the steamer plate with ghee to prevent the Modaks from sticking.
Steam the Modaks:
- Place the Modaks on the greased steamer plate, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Steam the Modaks for about 10-15 minutes. They are done when they turn slightly translucent.
The Wipro Vesta Multicooker Kettle can also be used as a steam cooker for steaming the Modaks, thanks to its dual temperature control functionality. You can adjust the temperature to ensure the Modaks cook evenly without cracking.
Final Touches
Once the Modaks are steamed, carefully remove them from the steamer and let them cool slightly. Offer them to Lord Ganesha as prasad and enjoy them with your family. The soft outer dough combined with the sweet coconut jaggery filling makes for an irresistible treat that captures the essence of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Why Choose a Multicooker?
A multicooker like the Wipro Vesta 1.2 l Outer Lid Multicooker Kettle is incredibly useful when making traditional recipes like Modak, especially if you have limited kitchen space or appliances. It allows you to perform multiple tasks such as boiling water, steaming, and even cooking instant dishes like noodles or pasta. The automatic shut-off and concurrent cooking functionality make it easy to manage multiple cooking tasks simultaneously, ensuring that your Modaks and other dishes come out perfectly every time.
Cost Considerations
When preparing festive treats, having the right kitchen appliances can make a world of difference. While the cost of an electric kettle or a multicooker might vary, investing in a reliable, multi-utility appliance can save time and effort in the long run. The Wipro Vesta Multicooker Kettle, with its metallic finish, cool touch function, and SS 304 rust-free inner wall, offers both quality and durability, making it a smart choice for your kitchen.
Conclusion
For grinding your coconut, consider using the Wipro Elato FMG206 1000W Mixer Grinder. Place the coconut pieces into the dry grinding jar and secure the lid. Pulse the mixer grinder in short bursts to achieve the desired coarse texture, stopping occasionally to check the consistency.
Making Modaks for Ganesh Chaturthi is a wonderful way to celebrate the festival and connect with tradition. With the right ingredients and appliances, such as an induction cooker, steamer, and a versatile multicooker, you can easily prepare this delightful, sweet meal at home. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this simple Modak recipe will help you create a delicious offering for Ganpati Bappa that your family and friends will love.