By Nandini Bhushan*
Much like the Indian culture, the cuisine of India is blessed with an immense range of traditional as well as regional food. Depending upon the availability of local vegetables, fruits, Spices and herbs along with the climatic factor, Indian food varies in choices. Each state is influenced with these choices making them unique and distinctive from one another.
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Modak (Maharashtra)
Modak is a rice flour dumpling stuffed with coconut and jaggery and is one of the most popular fasting sweet recipes that is especially prepared as an offering to Lord Ganesha during the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. Known as Ukadiche modak in the local dialect, the steamed dumpling with the delectable flavoured stuffing shaped into beautiful fluted petal, is a must try dish from the state of Maharashtra.
Ingredients
Fresh grated coconut : 200 gms
Jaggery : 150 gms
Rice flour : 150 gms
Cardamom powder : ½ tsp
Salt : ½ tsp
Ghee : 2 tsp
Water : 1 cup water
Step 1
Add a tsp of ghee in a thick bottom pan and roast the coconut until the moisture dries up.
Step 2
Add the grated jaggery and cook it with coconut for a couple of minutes stirring continuously until the mixture is done and dry. Once done sprinkle the cardamom powder and let it cool.
Step 3
In a pan boil water along with a tsp of ghee and a pinch of salt. Add the rice flour and mix well with the help of a spatula. Switch off the flame and cover the crumble mixture for about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 4
Once cool transfer it into a plate and knead the dough. The dough should be smooth and if required add a tsp of oil to keep it soft. Cover it with a wet cloth.
Step 5
Divide the dough into equal sized balls. Flatten the centre and fill the stuffing. Now make pleats and bring all the edges together and with a soft hand, seal the edges and shape the tip into a peak.
Step 6
Bring water to a boil in a steamer and place the Modak. Cover and let it cook for about 12 to 15 minutes.
Step 7
Turn off the heat and leave it in the steamer for another 5 minutes. Take it out, drizzle some ghee and relish its divine flavour.
