Recipe: Ukadiche Modak (Coconut-Jaggery Modak)

A classic festive favourite made with a soft rice-flour covering and a fragrant filling of fresh coconut, jaggery and cardamom. These steamed modaks are simple, traditional and perfect for Ganesh Chaturthi.

Prep time: 30 min | Cook time: 20 min | Serves: 8

Ingredients

For the covering:

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp ghee
• ¼ tsp salt

For the filling:

• 1 cup fresh grated coconut
• ¾ cup grated jaggery
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tbsp chopped cashews

Get the ingredients here

Method

1. Heat a pan and add grated coconut and jaggery. Cook over low heat until the jaggery melts and the mixture thickens slightly.
2. Add cardamom powder and chopped cashews. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3. For the covering, bring water, ghee and salt to a boil in a saucepan.
4. Reduce the heat and gradually add the rice flour, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
5. Cover and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
6. While still warm, knead the mixture into a smooth, soft dough using slightly greased hands. Add a little warm water if needed.
7. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Take one portion and flatten it into a thin circle, keeping the centre slightly thicker.
8. Place a spoonful of the coconut-jaggery filling in the centre. Bring the edges together in small pleats and pinch them at the top to form a modak.
9. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
10. Place the modaks in a greased steamer basket, leaving a little space between them.
11. Steam for 10-12 minutes, until the outer covering looks slightly glossy and cooked through.
12. Let them rest for a couple of minutes, then serve warm with a little ghee.