Ganesh Chaturthi, the beloved festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, brings with it an array of sweet and savory treats. Among these, Fried Modaks stand out as a delightful and crunchy twist on the traditional steamed modaks. These golden goodies, filled with a luscious jaggery and coconut filling, are a favorite offering to the Elephant God. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the steps of making these crispy Fried Modaks that are sure to elevate your festive celebrations.

Ingredients:

For the Outer Cover:

• 1 Cup all-purpose Flour (maida)
• 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
• 2 Tablespoons Ghee
• Water, as needed
• Vegetable oil

For the Filling:

• 1 Cup grated coconut
• 1/2 Cup grated jaggery
• 1/2 Teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 Tablespoon chopped nuts (cashews, almonds)
• 1 Tablespoon ghee

Instructions:

Preparing the Dough:

1. In a Mixing Bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and ghee. Mix well.
2. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a smooth and firm dough. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Making the Filling:

1. In a Pan, heat ghee and add grated coconut. Roast it until it turns golden brown.
2. Add grated jaggery to the roasted coconut and mix well. Cook until the jaggery melts and the mixture thickens.
3. Stir in cardamom powder and chopped nuts. Remove it from the heat and let it cool.

Shaping the Fried Modaks:

1. Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a small circle, similar to a puri.
2. Place a spoonful of the jaggery-coconut filling in the center of the circle.
3. Carefully fold the edges of the circle to seal the filling, creating a semi-circular modak shape. Pinch the edges to secure.

Frying the Modaks:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep Kadhai for frying. Ensure it's hot but not smoking.
2. Gently slide the prepared modaks into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove the fried modaks and drain excess oil on paper towels.

These Fried Modaks are a delightful fusion of tradition and indulgence. Their crispy exterior gives way to a sweet, aromatic filling that's sure to please your taste buds. Whether you're offering them to Lord Ganesha or sharing them with loved ones, Fried Modaks are a perfect addition to your festive spread. Enjoy the crunch and the sweetness of these golden delights during Ganesh Chaturthi and make your celebrations even more special. 🪔🙏