Go healthy this Ganeshotsav! Here are some Modak recipes for the health freaks by Chef Ishijyot Surri, Executive Chef, SJI Hospitality and foods private limited.
Modaks are not just a culinary delight but an essential part of the cultural and religious significance of Ganesh Chaturthi. They embody the spirit of devotion, tradition, and togetherness that characterizes this joyous festival. Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are often considered incomplete without the presence of modaks on the offering plate and in the celebrations.
While the traditional modak is made with a coconut and jaggery filling, there are countless variations of modaks available today. People get creative with the fillings, using ingredients like nuts, chocolate, and various flavors to make a wide range of modak types. This creativity adds to the festive spirit. Let’s go with healthy modaks this time.
MULTIGRAIN MODAK
A multigrain modaks with dates and chia seeds is a wholesome and nutritious option. Here’s a recipe for these delicious treats:
Ingredients:
For the Outer Shell:
- 1/2 cup Multigrain Flour (a mixture of wheat, jowar, bajra, and other grains)
- 1/4 cup Water
- A pinch of Salt
- Ghee or oil for greasing
For the Filling: - 1 cup Dates (pitted and chopped)
- 1/4 cup Chia seeds
- 1/4 cup Nuts (such as almonds, cashews, or pistachios), chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon Cardamom Powder
Instructions:
- Prepare the Outer Shell:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the multigrain flour and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add water and knead the mixture to form a smooth dough.
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into balls.
- Shape the Outer Shell:
- Take one of the dough balls and flatten it between your palms to form a small disc.
- Carefully shape it into a modak shell. You can use a modak mould for this if you have one.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the chopped dates, chia seeds, chopped
nuts, and cardamom powder. - Blend until the mixture forms a sticky paste. You may need to add a small amount of water if necessary
- Assemble:
- Gently open the shell-shaped dough and place a small amount of the date and chia seed filling inside.
- Close the shell, sealing the edges properly to form a modak shape.
- Bake the Modak at 150 C for 15-20 minutes. You can fry in oil.
- Serve:
- Let the modaks cool for a few minutes.
- Serve these multigrain modaks with dates and chia seeds as a healthy and nutritious dessert or snack.
These modaks are not only tasty but also loaded with the goodness of multigrains, dates, chia seeds, and nuts, making them a great hoice for festivities.
QUINOA MODAK
Here’s a simple recipe for Healthy quinoa and jaggery modak
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Quinoa (cooked and cooled)
- 1/2 cup Jaggery (grated)
- 1/4 cup Grated Coconut (fresh or desiccated)
- 1/4 teaspoon Cardamom Powder
- A pinch of Salt
- Ghee or coconut oil for greasing
- Modak moulds (for shaping)
Instructions: - Cook the quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa thoroughly and cook it according to the package instructions. Let it cool completely.
- Prepare the filling: In a pan, melt the grated jaggery over low heat until it becomes a syrup. Add a pinch of salt and the grated coconut. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the mixture thickens. Stir in the cardamom powder and then add the cooked quinoa. Mix everything together until well combined. Allow the mixture to cool.
- Shape the modaks: Grease the modak moulds with ghee or coconut oil. Take a small portion of the quinoa mixture and press it into the mould to shape it like a modak. Repeat this process for the remaining mixture.
- Offer the modaks to Lord Ganesha or enjoy them as a healthy treat!
- These quinoa and jaggery modaks are a nutritious twist on the traditional recipe and can be a delightful addition to your festive celebrations.
HEALTHY MODAK
Creating mixed healthy seeds and buckwheat shell modak-shaped treats is a unique and nutritious idea. Here’s a recipe to make these delightful treats:
Ingredients:
For the Shell:
– 1 cup Buckwheat flour (Kuttu Ka Atta)
– 1/4 cup water
– A pinch of salt
– Ghee or oil for greasing
For the Filling:
-/2 cup A mixture of Healthy Seeds (Chia seeds, Flax seeds, Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds)
– 1/4 cup Honey or agave nectar for binding
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shell:
– In a mixing bowl, combine the buckwheat flour and a pinch of salt.
– Gradually add water and knead the mixture to form a smooth dough.
– Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into balls.
2. Shape the Shell:
– Take one of the dough balls and flatten it between your palms to form a small disc.
– Place a teaspoon of the mixed seeds in the centre of the disc.
– Carefully fold the edges of the disc over the seeds to create a modak-shaped shell. You can use a modak mould for this if you have one.
3. Prepare the Filling:
– Mix the honey or agave nectar with the remaining seeds. Ensure the seeds are well-coated and stick together.
4. Assemble:
– Gently open the shell-shaped dough and place a small amount of the seed filling inside.
– Close the shell, sealing the edges properly to form a modak shape.
5. Steam:
– Heat a steamer and place the modaks in it.
– Steam for about 10-15 minutes or until the shells become firm and translucent.
6. Serve:
– Let the modaks cool for a few minutes.
– Serve these healthy seed and buckwheat shell modaks as a nutritious snack or offering.
These modaks are not only visually appealing but also packed with the goodness of various seeds and buckwheat, making them a healthy choice for your celebrations.