Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey into the heart of Indian cuisine with Ukadiche Modaks - the legendary sweet treat that's not just a dessert, but a cultural celebration! These delicate, steamed dumplings are more than just a recipe; they're a treasured tradition that holds a special place in Maharashtra's culinary landscape, particularly during the beloved Ganesh Chaturthi festival. With a heavenly combination of soft, pillowy rice flour exterior and a rich, aromatic coconut-jaggery filling, these modaks are guaranteed to transport your taste buds to a realm of pure bliss!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 12 modaks
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 cup jaggery, grated
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp ghee
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour with a pinch of salt. Gradually add hot water and knead into a smooth, soft dough. Cover and let rest for 10-15 minutes.
- For the filling, heat a pan and add grated coconut and jaggery. Cook on medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes slightly sticky and well combined.
- Add cardamom powder to the coconut-jaggery mixture and mix well. Remove from heat and let the filling cool down to room temperature.
- Divide the rice flour dough into small, equal-sized portions. Take one portion and roll it into a smooth ball.
- Using your fingers, flatten the dough ball into a thin, circular disc. The edges should be thinner than the center.
- Place a spoonful of coconut-jaggery filling in the center of the disc.
- Carefully pleat the edges of the disc, bringing them together to form a pointed top, resembling a closed flower or dumpling.
- Seal the edges firmly, ensuring no filling escapes during steaming.
- Grease a steamer plate with ghee to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the prepared modaks in the steamer, leaving some space between them.
- Steam the modaks for 12-15 minutes on medium heat until the outer covering becomes slightly translucent and glossy.
- Remove from steamer and let cool for a few minutes. Brush with a little ghee before serving.
Tips
- Dough Consistency is Key: Ensure your rice flour dough is smooth and pliable. The right texture makes shaping modaks much easier.
- Temperature Matters: Use hot water when kneading the dough to achieve the perfect elasticity.
- Filling Technique: Cook the coconut-jaggery filling until it's just sticky enough to hold together, but not too wet.
- Pleating Practice: Don't get discouraged if your first few modaks look imperfect. Pleating takes practice - each one will get better!
- Steaming Secrets: Leave enough space between modaks in the steamer to prevent them from sticking together.
- Ghee Magic: A light brush of ghee before serving adds an extra layer of richness and traditional flavor.
- Serve Warm: Ukadiche Modaks are best enjoyed slightly warm, when the filling is soft and the outer covering is delicately steamed.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 96kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 3mg
