Making perfect modaks at home can be a delightful experience, especially during festive occasions like Ganesh Chaturthi. Here’s a simple step-by-step recipe to guide you through the process.
**Ingredients:**
– For the outer covering: 2 cups of rice flour, 1 cup of water, a pinch of salt, and 1 tsp of ghee.
– For the filling: 1 cup of grated coconut, 1 cup of jaggery (or sugar), 1 tsp of cardamom powder, and a handful of chopped nuts (cashews, almonds).
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Filling:** In a pan, combine grated coconut and jaggery. Cook on low heat until the jaggery melts and blends well with the coconut. Add cardamom powder and nuts, then allow the mixture to cool.
2. **Make the Outer Covering:** In another pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt and ghee. Gradually add rice flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture forms a smooth dough. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. **Shape the Modaks:** Once the dough is cool enough to handle, knead it until smooth. Take a small portion of the dough, flatten it in your palm, and create a cup shape. Add a spoonful of the coconut filling inside and carefully close the edges, shaping it into a modak.
4. **Steam the Modaks:** Grease a steaming plate or a bamboo steamer with ghee. Place the modaks on the plate, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Steam them for about 10-15 minutes until they are cooked through.
5. **Serve and Enjoy:** Once steamed, let them cool slightly before serving. Modaks can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them a perfect treat for yourself or for guests during festive celebrations.
This simple recipe ensures that you can enjoy the rich flavors of homemade modaks, bringing a taste of tradition into your kitchen. Happy cooking!
