A popular Indian sweet often prepared during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. Astep-by-step guide on how to make Coconut Modak:
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh grated coconut (you can use frozen coconut if fresh is not available)
- 1/2 cup condensed milk
- 1/2 cup milk powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
For the Outer Layer:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup water
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon ghee (clarified butter)
Instructions:
Prepare the Coconut Filling:
1. In a non-stick pan, add the grated coconut, condensed milk, and milk powder.
2. Cook this mixture on low heat while continuously stirring to avoid sticking. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using) to the mixture. Mix well and remove it from the heat.
4. Let the coconut filling cool down. Once it's cool enough to handle, shape it into small, round balls or modaks. You can grease your hands with a little ghee to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Outer Layer:
5. In a separate saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of ghee to the boiling water.
6. Lower the heat and slowly add the rice flour while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture comes together and forms a smooth dough.
7. Remove the dough from the heat and let it cool slightly. Once it's cool enough to handle, knead it into a soft, smooth dough.
Assemble the Modaks:
8. Take a small portion of the rice flour dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Flatten it slightly to create a small disc in the palm of your hand.
9. Place one of the coconut filling balls in the center of the rice flour disc.
10. Gently fold the edges of the disc over the coconut filling, sealing it at the top. You can shape it into a traditional modak shape by pinching the edges to form a pointed top.
11. Repeat this process to make more modaks with the remaining dough and filling.
Steam the Modaks:
12. Prepare a steamer by boiling water in the bottom pot. Place the modaks in the steamer tray or on a greased plate in the steamer.
13. Steam the modaks for about 10-15 minutes or until they become slightly glossy and translucent.
14. Remove the modaks from the steamer and let them cool down for a few minutes.
Serve:
15. Coconut modaks are ready to be served. You can offer them as prasad during festivals or enjoy them as a sweet treat.
Enjoy your homemade Coconut Modaks! They are delicious and perfect for celebrating special occasions.