Dry fruits modak step-by-step recipe with photos.
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What is modak
Modak is a traditional sweet similar to dumplings. According to Hindu mythology, it is considered the favourite dish of Lord Ganesha. It is usually made with rice flour or wheat flour and has a coconut and jaggery filling. There are two cooking methods to make the modak - steamed and deep-fried.
Importance of modak
Modak is the most important offering to Lord Ganesha during Ganesha Chaturthi. Lord Ganesha is also known as 'modakapriya' - one who loves modak. Like all Indian festivals, Ganesha Chaturthi is also celebrated with lots of food, and modak being a mandatory offering to Lord Ganesha. It is believed that offered 21 modaks to Lord Ganesha is very auspicious.
Mythology story behind modak
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati was once presented with a modak by the Devas and was told that the person who ate it would become the most knowledgeable. Parvati wanted to present it to both her sons - Karthik and Ganesha; however, the brothers were not ready to share the modak. So Lord Shiva and Parvati presented a contest to them and said the person who first completes three rounds of the world will get the modak. Lord Karthik immediately took his 'vahana' (vehicle), a peacock, and began to take the rounds. However, Lord Ganesha took three rounds of his parents and said that this was the whole world for him. Impressed by this, Parvati gave him the modak and it has been his favourite ever since.
About dry fruits modak
Dry fruits modak that I am sharing here is not the traditional modak, but an easy take on it. This no-cook dish is made with cashew, almonds, and is sweetened with dates. All you have to do is bring together chopped nuts and blitzed dates, and shape them in a modak mould. If you do not have access to modak mould, you can shape them into a ball like a laddu.
Ingredients used to make dry fruits modak
Nuts: I use cashew and almonds to make the dry fruits modak. However, you may use other nuts like walnut, macadamia, pecan, or pistachio.
Dates: I have used plain pitted dates to make this dish. Mejdool dates works well too.
Ghee: Most Indian sweets are made with ghee. However, if you prefer a vegan version, you may replace ghee with coconut oil.
Cardamom powder: This is an optional ingredient; however, I highly recommend using it as it adds a beautiful aroma to the dish.
Bonus
This modak is:
- no-cook sweet and can be put together in 15 minutes
- is sugar-free
- healthy and guilt-free
For more refined sugar-free recipes, click here.
For more festival food recipes, click here.
Dry fruits modak step-by-step recipe with photos
1. Chop the nuts and set aside. Chop the dates and blitz them in a food processor or mixie
2. Combine the dates and nuts until they come together
3. Add 1 tsp ghee and mix it well to form a dough
4. Grease the modak mould with some ghee
5. Fill the dates mixture into it and press well
6. Gently unmould the modak
7. Dry fruit modak are ready
Recipe card
Dry fruits modak
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Reference: https://recipes.timesofindia.com/articles/features/why-modak-is-ganeshas-favourite/photostory/65799069.cms
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