Ganesh Chaturthi, the joyous Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, is a time of vibrant festivities, family gatherings, and an array of mouthwatering sweets. One such sweet treat that holds a special place during this auspicious occasion is Rava Modak. These delectable dumplings, made from semolina (rava), are not just a delightful culinary creation but also a heartfelt offering to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of making these divine Rava Modaks for your Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

Ingredients:

For the outer covering:

• 1 Cup semolina (rava)
• 2 Tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• A pinch of salt
• Water, as needed

For the filling:

• 1 Cup grated coconut (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 Cup jaggery, grated or finely chopped
• 1/4 Teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

For the outer covering:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a Kadhai on low heat. Once it melts, add the rava (semolina).
2. Roast the rava on low heat, stirring continuously. Continue roasting until the rava turns golden brown and you can smell the nutty aroma. This should take about 7-8 minutes.
3. Transfer the roasted rava to a plate and let it cool down.
4. Once cooled, add a pinch of salt to the roasted rava and mix well.
5. Gradually add water to the roasted rava while stirring continuously to form a smooth and pliable dough. The amount of water needed may vary, but it's typically around 1/2 to 3/4 cup. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
6. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and set it aside while you prepare the filling.

For the filling:

1. In a separate Pan, add the grated coconut and jaggery.
2. Cook this mixture on medium-low heat while stirring continuously. As the jaggery melts, it will release moisture, and the mixture will become slightly liquidy.
3. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens and comes together. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add a pinch of salt and cardamom powder, and mix well. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool.

Assembling the Modaks:

1. Take a small portion of the semolina dough and roll it into a smooth ball.
2. Flatten the dough ball in your palm to make a small disc.
3. Place a spoonful of the coconut-jaggery filling in the center of the disc.
4. Bring the edges of the semolina disc together to cover the filling and shape it into a Modak. You can also use a Modak mold for more intricate designs.
5. Repeat the process to make all the Rava Modaks.

Ganesh Chaturthi is a time of devotion, celebration, and culinary delights, and Rava Modak perfectly encapsulates all these elements. These homemade modaks, with their crisp semolina exterior and sweet coconut-jaggery filling, are a delightful offering to Lord Ganesha and a sweet treat for your loved ones. As you prepare and share these Rava Modaks during this auspicious festival, may the blessings of Lord Ganesha fill your home with joy and prosperity. Ganpati Bappa Morya!