Ganesh Chaturthi 2022: Try These Whole Wheat Fried Modaks

Ganesh Chaturthi is here and so are the festive vibes. We look forward to this festival because of many reasons. During the whole duration of Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha comes to our houses and blesses us. The atmosphere echoes with the chanting of Ganpati Bappa and we just cannot get over this 10-day festival. Another reason why we wait for Ganesh Chaturthi is modak. 

Modaks are essential for this festival as these are the favorite sweets of Lord Ganesha. Let us take you a little back and tell you how did modaks become a Ganesh Chaturthi thing. As per several Hindu legends, it is believed that Lord Ganesha loves modaks, and thus he is also known by the name Modakpriya. It is believed that once Lord Shiva visited Anusuya with Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. First, she served Lord Ganesha and said that she would feed Lord Shiva only when Ganesha is done. Anusuya served a single sweet to Lord Ganesha who burped after eating it. Now, when Lord Ganesha burped, Lord Shiva also burped but not once but 21 times. On this, Goddess Parvati said that the devotees would always offer 21 modaks to Lord Ganesha for making him happy and full. 

Traditionally, modaks are made up of rice flour but they have evolved through different shapes and sizes in other parts of the country. This time, we have brought for you the recipe of whole wheat fried modaks shared by celebrity chef Ranveer Brar exclusively for Ganesh Chaturthi. Have a look and try this Ganpati festival treat at your home.

Preparation time- 10 minutes

Cooking time- 10-15 minutes

Serving- 4

Ingredients 

For stuffing 

  • 1 tsp ghee
  • ½ tsp sesame seeds
  • 4 cashew nuts (chopped)
  • 1 cup fresh coconut (grated)
  • ¾ cup jaggery (grated)
  • ¼ tsp cardamom powder

For dough 

  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp semolina
  • 1 tsp hot vegetable oil
  • Water for kneading (for stiff dough)

Method

For Stuffing

  • Take a non-stick pan and heat ghee in it. 
  • Now add sesame seeds, grated coconut, and chopped cashews.
  • Mix well for a minute. 
  • Add jaggery and cook the mixture on a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes consistent.
  • Add cardamom powder and a pinch of salt. 
  • Mix it well and set it aside to cool.

For dough

  • Take a big thali or parat and add whole wheat flour, semolina, and a tbsp of hot oil.
  • Now add sufficient water and knead it into a stiff dough. 
  • When done, keep aside for 10 minutes.
  • Divide the dough into 7 to 8 equal-sized balls.
  • Now, roll each ball with a rolling pin into thin roundels. 
  • Form a cup of each roundel gently by making folds and fill in the cooked mixture.  
  • Pinch the folds together to form a modak.
  • Take a deep kadhai and heat sufficient oil. 
  • When the oil is hot, add modak, and fry them on medium heat until they turn crisp and golden brown.
  • Take out the modaks on tissue paper and serve hot. 
  • Garnish with almonds or cashews. 

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!!