This year's Ganeshotsav may not witness grand celebrations due to the coronavirus outbreak, but the 11-day long celebration of the Hindu deity wouldn't be short of fun, frolic and of course food! Talking of festive food and not talk about modaks would be a sin, as not only this desi delight is most popular and the most experimented sweet during the Ganesha festival, but is also said to be the Bappa's favourite.
Since the lockdown, many have become chefs and trying out interesting modak recipes at home would be a perfect trial for your culinary skills.
Check out the recipe for Khoya-Saunf Modak: Ingredients For Dough1 cup rice flour2 tbsp oil1 ½ cup waterA pinch of salt
Ingredients For Khoya-Saunf ModakA few drops rose water 250 gm khoya (mawa)70 gm sugar2 tsp fennel seedsHandful of chopped pistachios4 tbsp chopped dried apricots
Method
In a thick-bottomed pan add grated khoya, sugar, fennel seeds, chopped pistachio and chopped apricots.
Cook on low heat till all the grain sugar is dissolved. Turn off the heat, add rose water and remove to a plate and cool.
In a thick bottom vessel, add water, oil and salt. Bring to boil. Remove half a cup of water and keep aside.
Remove the water from the fire and slowly add the rice flour. Keep stirring continuously till all the rice flour is used up.
Now take place it back on the gas and cook on slow flame till the rice flour comes together as dough. Remove and let it cool. Cover with a clean, moist cloth.
Apply very little of oil on your palm and place a small ball of the dough. Flatten it a bit and place the khoya mixture in the centre. Now from all sides fold the dough and shape like a water drop.
Do this for the rest of the dough and mixture.
Now prepare a steamer and steam the modaks for 5-7 mins. Remove, allow to cool and serve.