10 Best Modak Recipes for Ganpati/Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the most vibrant festivals celebrated with lots of excitement and energy across India. Celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha—whose elephant head is symbolic of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune—this joyous festival commences in the Hindu month of Bhadra, starting on Shukla Chaturthi and ending on Ananta Chaturdashi. One of the most favorite sweets offered to Lord Ganesha is said to be Modak, a sweet dumpling. Such sweet preparations are mostly at home and preparation with your family members is a particular attraction.

Here are the Top 10 Modak Recipes for Ganesh Chaturthi that shall make you relish this propitious occasion.

1. Ukadiche Modak (Steamed Modak)
   
   

Ukadiche Modak Ingredients

2 cups rice flour
1 cup scraped coconut
1 cup grated jaggery
Cardamom powder 1/2 tsp
Water-as required 

Mix together jaggery and coconut in a pan, and heat on low flame until the jaggery melts. Add cardamom powder and mix well. Allow cooling. 

In another pan, boil water with a pinch of salt. Add the rice flour slowly, stirring it well so that no lumps form and stirring is continued.
Add salt. Cook until the dough comes in. Let the dough cool down. Grease your hands a little with ghee and break small portions of it.
Flatten it with your palms. In the center, take a spoonful of the coconut-jaggery mixture. Fold and give the shape of a Modak. 

Steam the Modaks for 10–15 minutes. Serve hot.
Since this is a classic recipe, it is very commonly prepared in almost every household during the festival. 

Read Also: Happy Ganesh Chaturthi: Bhog Recipes and Ganesh Visarjan Celebrations

Mawa Modak

Ingredients

2 cups mawa (khoya)
1 cup sugar
Cardamom powder 1/2 tsp
Chopped nuts—almonds, pistachios

Instructions: 

• Heat mawa in a pan over a low flame. Add sugar and cardamom powder. Mix well until the sugar dissolves completely.
  
• When it has thickened, take off the heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
  
• Give the mixture a Modak shape, garnish with chopped nuts, and finally let them cool before serving.
  
• This cream-rich version is for the ones who enjoy a little bit more sugar in their desserts.

3. Chocolate Modak

Chocolate Modak Ingredients

200g dark chocolate
1/2 cup condensed milk
1 cup crushed biscuits, best Digestives or Marie 

Instructions:

• Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in a microwave.
  
• Mix together crushed biscuits and condensed milk until a smooth mixture is achieved.
  
• Now shape it into modaks and cool it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
  
• A blend of modernity, these chocolate Modaks are enjoyed by children and are a good variation from the routine offerings. 

4. Fried Modak

   

Fried Modak Recipe Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup desiccated coconut
1 cup jaggery, grated
Ghee, to fry 

Instructions

Make a dough with the mixed water and all-purpose flour. Rest it for 30 minutes. Grate the coconut and jaggery in a pan over heat until the jaggery melts. Cool. Take small circle shapes from the dough and fill with the coconut jaggery mixture by closing its edges. Deep-fry the Modaks in hot ghee till golden brown. Drain out above paper towels for serving. 

These are for those crunchy snacks, lovers of fried foods. 

5. Easy Modak Recipe: Making for Beginners

    

   

Beings: 

1 packet Modak dough, pre-prepared
1 cup scraped coconut
1 cup jaggery, grated 

Instructions: 

Prepare the Coconut and Jaggery Filling using the recipe mentioned above. Shape the Modaks using readymade dough by filling up the coconut mixture inside and sealing it. 

Now, steam the Modaks for approximately 10-15 minutes. 

It’s a nice, quick recipe for beginners—not fancy—but who would love to contribute in case there is a celebration. 

6. Healthy Modak Recipes

Ingredients: 

2 cups whole wheat flour 

Dates diced, pitted and chopped-1 cup 

1/2 cup mixed nuts, chopped 

Directions: 

Making a dough of whole wheat flour and water; leave it covered for a while. 

Saute chopped dates in very little water until soft; add nuts that have been chopped. Stuff the date-nut mixture into the dough and form Modaks. Steam them. These are healthier options, just right for health-conscious people who would wish to partake in these festive delicacies. 

7. Gluten Free Modak Recipes

Ingredients: 

2 cups rice flour 

1 cup grated coconut 

1 cup jaggery, grated 

Instructions: 

• Make Ukadiche Modak using all gluten-free ingredients. 
• Best for gluten-sensitive people without losing any of the traditional flavors of the dessert. 

8. Coconut Modak

   

Ingredients: 

2 cups grated coconut

1 cup jaggery, grated 

1/2 tsp cardamom powder 

Instructions: 

• Use coconut as the primary stuffing for various types of Modak.
  
• Coconut imparts sweetness and an aromatic feeling to many traditional recipes. 

9. Traditional Modak Recipes

Ingredients: 

These vary in regional ingredients, too; some being common ones are rice flour, coconut, and jaggery. 

Instructions 

• Get acquainted with a few regional types of Modak recipes, each standing for its culture and taste.
  
• Each region has its peculiar touch while preparing this favourite sweet.

10. Modak Recipe Variation 

Ingredients: 

You can try other fillings, like chocolate, fruits or nuts, too. 

Instructions: 

Just see the various fillings and the type of dough used to come up with some new types of Modak that you may relish.
This is one good way to have personalized offerings. 

Enjoy the celebration, special goodies of the day, and spend time with family and friends, rejoicing on this festive occasion in celebration of Lord Ganesha!

Conclusion:

Well, these top 10 modak recipes should definitely add sweetness to perfection in the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi. Be it the traditional ones or their modern versions, here is a modak recipe for each and every one of you. Enjoy the festival, enjoy the delicacies, and most important, enjoy the time with your family and friends as you celebrate Lord Ganesha in this joyous event!