Ukadiche Modak with & without Mould | Modak Banane ki Vidhi with detailed photo and video recipe. Traditional Indian dessert dumplings made with rice flour and coconut jaggery stuffing. It is specifically made during the Indian festival of Ganapathi Chaturthi. It is believed that these steamed dumplings are lord Ganesha’s favorite munching snack and hence it is offered as bhog during this festival time.
Ukadiche Modak with & without Mould | Modak Banane ki Vidhi with step-by-step photo and video recipe. Indian traditional sweets and Indian festivals are like synonyms for each other. Each festival and occasion has its way of celebrating it with some traditional Indian dessert attached to it. One such traditional dessert recipe is the easy ukadiche Modaka recipe made specifically during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
I guess this is my 7th year with my blog and other social media handles. Each year during the time of Ganesh Chaturthi, I post different types of Modak recipes. This year I thought of revisiting my old traditional ukadiche recipe again. In this recipe post, I have shown 2 ways of making it. The first one is the traditional one made with hands. The pleating and the stuffing are done using hands and can be overwhelming for beginners. You may need some practice to pleat those to get a perfect shape. The second method is to use a mold or Modak shaper. This is the easiest one, but the former way is preferred. You can choose this method if you are planning to make large numbers or in a rush. In my view, even if you are a beginner, you should try the first option. You may find it difficult to make the first or the second one, but eventually, you should get there.
Furthermore, before we jump into the actual recipe, I would like to add some more tips, suggestions, and variations to the easy Ukadiche Modak recipe. Firstly, the ratio of water and rice flour has to be respected here. Do not attempt to add less or more water as it may end up in disaster. You may not be able to shape it if the proportions are not matched. Secondly, once the dough is formed, it may dry out while making these Modaks. Even if it is dry, do not add water and wet your hands and then try to shape it. Lastly, if you find pleating cumbersome, you may shape it like karanji too. It would not be termed as Modak but would be of the same taste.
Finally, do visit my other related Indian Sweets Recipes Collection with this post on the Ukadiche Modak recipe. It includes my other related recipes like fried modak, mawa modak, modak, sugar-free Modak, Rasmalai, Mysore Pak, easy gulab jamun, instant malpua, Malpua, and carrot halwa. Further to these, I would also like to include my other related recipe categories like,
About Ukadiche Modak
It is a traditional rice dumpling sweet made with coconut and jaggery stuffing inside the rice flour pouch. Basically, Ukadiche is derived from the Marathi word Ukad which means steam, and the Modak means the rice dumpling sweet. It is popular and a must delicacy in Maharashtra, if not the other neighboring states during the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. It is offered to Lord Ganesha and is considered to be the favorite sweet of Lord Ganesha and eventually offered as Prasadam to friends and family.
The traditional recipe is made with rice flour and coconut jaggery stuffing. But there are myriad variations to it and offered to Lord Ganapathi for the same reason. Typically the outer layer remains the same, but the filling can be altered. Moreover, the sweetness can be derived from other types of sugar to make it more attractive. Additionally, the Modak can also be made without stuffing and just with the dough. In other words, the dough is mixed with sweet sources like chocolate, dates, etc. and just shaped like Modak.
Chef Tips for Ukadiche Modak
The recipe of Modak is very simple without any complicated ingredients. Yet the shaping can be tricky and takes some practice to master it. Yet some tips and suggestions –
- Dough Preparation – Preparing the smooth dough using fine rice flour is a critical step in preparing and shaping the Modak. The key step in this process is kneading the dough while it is still warm and moderately hot.
- Shaping – While there are many molds that can easily shape Modak with perfect and attractive pleating. Yet handmade pleats for the traditional Modak are considered special and auspicious, particularly for Lord Ganesh’s offerings.
- Filling – The traditional filling is made with just fresh coconut grate and powdered jaggery. This filling has to be moist so that it easily blends with the shape of Modak. Also, there are different types of filling, but the traditional coconut-based is much preferred.
- Steaming – Do not overcrowd the dumplings in your steamer. Also, keep sufficient space between each other so that it does not stick to each other. Do not over steam it and 10-14 mins is more than sufficient.
- Practice – The pleating can take some practice to perfect it. The first attempt may not get the attractive shape, but it is certainly a stepping stone. Moreover, it is believed that the effort and devotion to prepare these steamed dumplings are much appreciated by Lord Ganesha.
Importance of Ukadiche Modak
It is considered one of the mandatory delicacies during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival celebration. However, the other significant factors are –
- Religious Belief – It is considered to be a favorite sweet snack by Lord Ganesha and therefore, it is one of the important delicacies during the festival celebrations. Hence it is offered as Prasadam seeking his blessings for wisdom and prosperity.
- Family Time – Traditionally, the sweet snack is prepared by the entire family members coming together, especially to celebrate the festival. It promotes affection and bonding between the family members while preparing this Prasadam.
- Tradition & Rituals – The recipe of Modak can be unique to the individual families or communities that have been passed down over generations. Therefore, preparing these during the festival feast promotes age-old cultural traditions.
- Flavor & Texture – While it is believed that the delicacy is a favorite sweet snack by Lord Ganesha. There is no doubt that it is a super tasty and flavored sweet recipe. Hence preparing and serving with friends and family is well appreciated.
- Devotion & Dedication – The recipe and its ingredients are super simple to use and handle. Yet the dough preparation particularly the pleating takes a lot of practice and effort. Mastering it shows the devotion and dedication which is believed to be appreciated by Lord Ganesha.
Faqs for Modak Recipe:
What is Ukadiche Modak?
It is a traditional rice flour dumpling made with coconut jaggery & cardamom stuffing. It is particularly made during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival celebration and offered to Lord Ganesha deity.
Why is Ukadiche Modak made during Ganesh Chaturthi?
It is believed that Modak is Lord Ganesha's favorite sweet snack. Hence it is prepared and offered during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival seeking his blessings, wisdom, and health.
The word Ukadiche or Ukad literally means steam and Modak means sweet dumplings in the Marathi language.
What is the significance of the pleated shape of Ukadiche Modak?
The handmade pleats of Modak represent the devotion and dedication of an individual towards the deity. It is also believed that the beautiful and attractive shape of the snack represents Lord Ganesha himself.
Can you deep-fry Ukadiche Modak instead of steaming them?
What are some tips for shaping the perfect Ukadiche Modak?
Handmade Modak's with pleating would require some practice for a perfect shape. While it can be tricky for beginners, handmade Modak are always appreciated. The cheat version is to use Modak mould which gives a perfect shape. This would also require greasing it with ghee before using it.
What is the best way to serve Ukadiche Modak?
It is best served with a topping of melted ghee. This would elevate the flavor and also the taste. Also, it is best served when it is warm.
Are there any regional variations of Ukadiche Modak?
Well, there are many variations to this favorite snack, but the basic principle remains the same. It may differ in shape or may be served with additional sweet sauce or kheer.
Video Recipe:
Recipe card for Ukadiche Modak:
Modak Recipe | Ukadiche Modak 2 Ways
Ingredients
for coconut stuffing:
- 1 tsp ghee
- 2 cup coconut, grated
- 1 cup jaggery
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
for dough:
- 2 cup water
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ghee
- 2 cup rice flour
Instructions
How to make coconut jaggery stuffing:
- Firstly, in a large kadai heat 1 tsp ghee and saute 2 cup coconut.
- Saute until the coconut turns aromatic.
- Now add 1 cup of jaggery and mix well.
- Keep cooking on medium flame until the jaggery melts.
- Continue to cook until the mixture thickens and still remains moist.
- Now add ½ tsp cardamom powder and mix well. Stuffing is ready, keep it aside.
How to make Modak dough:
- Firstly, in a large kadai take 2 cup water, ½ tsp salt, and 1 tsp ghee.
- Mix well and bring the water to a boil.
- Further, add 2 cup rice flour and mix gently.
- Mix until the rice flour absorbs all the water.
- Cover and rest for 3 minutes.
- Now transfer to a large bowl and start to knead the dough. Wet your hand to prevent it from burning.
- Knead for 5 minutes or until the dough turns soft. Wet your hand and knead if the dough seems dry.
How to shape Modak using hand:
- Now take a ball-sized rice flour dough and roll.
- With the help of both thumbs start pressing the edges and create a dent in the center.
- Slowly press from the edges till it forms a cup.
- Start creating pleats with your index finger and thumb.
- Now scoop a tbsp of prepared coconut-jaggery stuffing.
- Get the pleats together to form a bundle.
- Close the top by pinching and making it pointed.
How to shape Modak using mould:
- Grease the modak mould with ghee to prevent it from sticking.
- Stuff the rice flour dough into the mould walls.
- Also, place a small ball-sized mixture in the centre.
- Close tightly and scrape off the excess mixture.
- Unmould the modak gently without breaking.
- Place the modak in steamer leaving gaps in between.
- cover and steam the modak for 10 minutes or till the shiny texture appears on them.
- Finally, of Ukadiche Modak to lord Ganesha and celebrate Ganesh Chathurthi.
Nutrition
How to make Ukadiche Modak with step-by-step photos:
How to make coconut jaggery stuffing:
-
Firstly, in a large kadai heat 1 tsp ghee and saute 2 cup coconut.
-
Saute until the coconut turns aromatic.
-
Now add 1 cup of jaggery and mix well.
-
Keep cooking on medium flame until the jaggery melts.
-
Continue to cook until the mixture thickens and still remains moist.
-
Now add ½ tsp cardamom powder and mix well. Stuffing is ready, keep it aside.
How to make Modak dough:
-
Firstly, in a large kadai take 2 cup water, ½ tsp salt, and 1 tsp ghee.
-
Mix well and bring the water to a boil.
-
Further, add 2 cup rice flour and mix gently.
-
Mix until the rice flour absorbs all the water. Cover and rest for 3 minutes.
-
Now transfer to a large bowl and start to knead the dough. Wet your hand to prevent it from burning.
-
Knead for 5 minutes or until the dough turns soft. Wet your hand and knead if the dough seems dry.
How to shape Modak using hand:
-
Now take a ball-sized rice flour dough and roll.
-
With the help of both thumbs start pressing the edges and create a dent in the center.
-
Slowly press from the edges till it forms a cup.
-
Start creating pleats with your index finger and thumb.
-
Now scoop a tbsp of prepared coconut-jaggery stuffing.
-
Get the pleats together to form a bundle.
-
Close the top by pinching and making it pointed.
How to shape Modak using mold:
-
Grease the modak mold with ghee to prevent it from sticking.
-
Stuff the rice flour dough into the mold walls.
-
Also, place a small ball-sized mixture in the center.
-
Close tightly and scrape off the excess mixture.
-
Unmould the modak gently without breaking.
-
Place the modak in steamer leaving gaps in between. cover and steam the modak for 10 minutes or till the shiny texture appears on them.
-
Finally, of Ukadiche Modak to lord Ganesha and celebrate Ganesh Chathurthi.
Notes:
- Firstly, vary the stuffing of your choice by adding a few dry fruits, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds.
- Further, knead the dough well sprinkling the required amount of water and ghee till it forms a smooth dough.
- Also if the modaks break while you are pressing and creating a cup, do not worry. Sprinkle water and ghee, and knead well.
- Finally, grease your hand with ghee before you start preparing Ukadiche Modak, or else it will stick to your hand.