Modak is a sweet stuffed with coconut, jaggery, nutmeg and saffron. They can be either steamed Modak known as 'Ukdiche Modak' or fried modak as well.  Modak is a popular dessert from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh Kerala, and Karnataka and now they are highly prepared and consumed in many parts of the country during the festival of 'Modakpriya' Ganesh Chaturthi. 21 pieces of modak are served as the offering in puja during Ganesh Chaturthi.

Ingredients of Modak

For the filling:

      1 cup rice flour
2 tsp ghee
1 cup water
A pinch of salt

How to Make Modak

Prepare filling:

1.  Add the grated coconut and jaggery to a heat a pan,.
2.  Stir for about five minutes. Add the nutmeg and saffron, mix well.
3.  Cook for another five minutes and keep aside.

Prepare modak dough:

1. In a deep bowl/dish, boil water with ghee. Add a pinch of salt and rice flour. Mix well.
2. Cover the bowl/dish and cook till its half done.
3. Spread some ghee on the base of a steel plate/paratha. Then while the dough is still hot, knead it well.

Prepare Modaks:

1. Now take a little dough, roll it into a ball, flatten it well like a puri.
2. Put a spoonful of the filling onto the dough and seal it and  shape the edges into a flower pattern.
3. Put the Modaks in a muslin cloth/banana leaves, and steam them for 10- 15 minutes. Then offer them to Lord Ganesh.

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