The birth of Lord Ganesha, who is known as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom. A popular treat during this festival is Ukadiche Modak, a sweet dumpling made from rice flour and filled with coconut and jaggery. This tasty treat not only tastes great but also shows love and devotion to Lord Ganesha.

Traditionally, these delicious dumplings are created by hand, filled with sweetened coconut, then steamed. The filling is lightly flavored with cardamom powder and, in some cases, nutmeg.

These are known as "Ukadiche Modak" in Marathi, which translates to "Steamed modak." 

Ingredients for Ukadiche Modak :

For the Dough:

• 1 cup rice flour (150 grams)
• 1.5 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon ghee or oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Sweet Stuffing:

• 1 cup fresh grated coconut (100 grams)
• 1 cup finely chopped jaggery (200 grams)
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon ghee (for cooking the stuffing)
• 1 tablespoon rice flour (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation :

Step 1 : Prepare the Sweet Stuffing

Start by heating ghee in a pan over low heat. Add poppy seeds and fry until they crackle. Next, add the grated coconut and jaggery. Mix well and cook on low heat for about 7-9 minutes until the moisture reduces. Once done, let the mixture cool.

Step 2 : Make the Rice Flour Dough

In another pan, bring water, ghee, and salt to a boil. Gradually add rice flour while stirring continuously until well mixed. Cover the pan and let it sit for 4-5 minutes. Knead the dough while it’s still warm, adding water if needed to achieve a smooth consistency.

Step 3 : Shape the Modak

Take a small ball of dough and flatten it into a disc. Place a spoonful of the sweet stuffing in the center. Fold and pleat the edges to seal the modak. If you have a modak mould, you can use it for shaping as well.

Step 4 : Steam the Modak

Place the shaped modaks in a greased steamer plate of Softel Stainless Steel Multi Kadai. Steam them for 10-15 minutes until they are cooked through.

Step 5 : Offer it to Lord Ganesha 

Allow the modaks to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Ukadiche Modak as a festive treat during Ganesh Chaturthi!

Why Modak is Special :

Modak holds a special place in the hearts of devotees as it is considered Lord Ganesha’s favorite sweet. In fact, he is affectionately known as Modakapriya, meaning "one who loves modak." Offering these sweet dumplings during Ganesh Chaturthi is a way to seek blessings and express gratitude.

Tips for Perfect Modak :

1. Ensure the outer layer of the modak is thin yet sturdy enough to hold the filling.

2. Use fresh coconut for the best flavor and texture.

3. If you don’t have a modak mould, you can easily shape them by hand with a little practice.

This Ganesh Chaturthi, bring joy to your celebrations by preparing these delicious Ukadiche Modaks. Not only will they be a hit among family and friends, but they will also make your offerings to Lord Ganesha truly special. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create some sweet memories!