By Akshara
September 1, 2026
No Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 celebration is complete without traditional Ukadiche Modak. These classic Maharashtrian steamed dumplings feature a soft rice flour outer shell encasing a sweet, aromatic filling of fresh grated coconut and jaggery. Flavoured with cardamom and nutmeg and drizzled with warm pure ghee before serving, this timeless sweet represents the traditional essence of the festival.
1 cup fine rice flour  1.25 cups water  1 teaspoon pure ghee (plus extra for serving)  A pinch of salt  1.5 cups freshly grated coconut  1 cup powdered organic jaggery  1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder  1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder
Prepare the filling by heating fresh coconut and jaggery in a pan over low heat until the jaggery melts and the mixture thickens, then stir in the cardamom and nutmeg powder and cool completely.
Bring the water, one teaspoon ghee, and a pinch of salt to a rolling boil, stir in the rice flour, cover with a lid, turn off the heat, and let it steam undisturbed for ten minutes.
Transfer the warm rice dough to a plate and knead thoroughly into a smooth, pliable dough using a little warm water on your hands.
Take a small lemon-sized portion of dough, shape it into a thin cup, place a spoonful of coconut-jaggery filling in the centre, pinch 7 to 9 pleats along the edge, bring them together at the top to seal, and steam in a banana-leaf lined steamer for ten to twelve minutes until glossy.