Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: 5 Delicious Modak Recipes to Try at Home

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 falls on Monday, September 14, 2026. Because Bappa is coming home, and the modaks better be ready! 

Modak is one of the most loved sweets associated with Lord Ganesha. Traditionally offered as prasad, modak is an important part of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. But why stick to just one variety when you can try different flavors at home?

This Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, bring some delicious variety to your festive thali with these 5 easy modak recipes. From the traditional Ukadiche Modak to crispy Fried Modak and modern Chocolate Modak, there is something for everyone.

1. Ukadiche Modak Recipe: Classic & Traditional

No Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 celebration feels complete without the classic Ukadiche Modak. “Ukadiche” means steamed, referring to the soft rice-flour covering used for this traditional modak.

Ingredients

For the covering:

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1½ cups water
• 1 tsp ghee
• A pinch of salt

For the filling:

• 1 cup fresh grated coconut
• ¾–1 cup jaggery
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• A pinch of nutmeg
• 1 tsp poppy seeds (optional)

Method

1. Cook coconut and jaggery in a pan on low heat until slightly thick. Add cardamom, nutmeg and poppy seeds. Cool.
2. Boil water with ghee and salt. Add rice flour, mix well, cover and rest for a few minutes.
3. While warm, knead the dough until soft and smooth.
4. Shape the dough into small cups, fill with the coconut-jaggery mixture and make pleats. You can also use a greased modak mold.
5. Steam for 10–15 minutes until the covering looks soft and slightly glossy.

Your traditional modaks are ready for the Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 bhog!

2. Fried Modak: Crispy, Golden & Irresistible

Prefer something crispy? Fried Modak, also known as Talniche Modak, is a delicious option for Ganesh Chaturthi 2026. It has a golden, crunchy outer layer with a sweet coconut filling.

Ingredients

For the covering:

• 1 cup Maida
• 2 tbsp. fine semolina (sooji/rava)
• 2 tbsp. ghee
• A pinch of salt
• Water, as needed
• Oil for deep frying

For the filling:

• 1 cup grated coconut
• ½ cup jaggery
• 1 tbsp. poppy seeds
• 2 tbsp. chopped dry fruits
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tsp ghee

Method

1. Mix Maida, semolina and salt. Add ghee and rub it into the flour.
2. Add water gradually and knead into a firm dough. Rest for 20–30 minutes.
3. Heat ghee, lightly roast poppy seeds, then add coconut and jaggery. Cook until the mixture thickens. Add dry fruits and cardamom.
4. Roll small dough portions into thin circles. Add the cooled filling, fold and seal into a modak shape.
5. Deep-fry on medium heat until golden and crisp.

Let them cool slightly before serving during your Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 celebrations.

3. Chocolate Modak: A Modern Twist on Tradition

Want to give your Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 celebrations a modern twist? Try Chocolate Modak!

These are especially fun for children and chocolate lovers. They are also much easier to shape than traditional steamed modaks.

Ingredients

• 1 cup khoya/mawa or condensed milk
• 100 g chocolate
• 1 tbsp. cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp. chopped nuts
• ¼ tsp cardamom powder

Method

1. Melt the chocolate gently.
2. Add khoya or condensed milk and cocoa powder. Mix until smooth and thick.
3. Add chopped nuts and cardamom.
4. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
5. Grease a modak mold, fill it with the mixture and press gently.
6. Refrigerate until firm.

Mix. Shape. Chill. Done!

These Chocolate Modaks are an easy addition to your Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 sweet platter.

4. Mawa Modak: Rich, Creamy & Festive

For those who love traditional Indian mithai, Mawa Modak is a must-try this Ganesh Chaturthi 2026.

Made with khoya, sugar and aromatic flavors, these modaks are soft, rich and melt in your mouth.

Ingredients

• 250 g mawa/khoya
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• A few saffron strands
• Chopped pistachios or almonds

Method

1. Crumble the mawa and cook it on low heat for a few minutes.
2. Add powdered sugar, saffron and cardamom.
3. Cook until the mixture thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan.
4. Let it cool slightly.
5. Grease a modak mold, fill it with the mixture and press gently.
6. Garnish with chopped nuts.

Soft, creamy and festive, this Modak is perfect for a Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 celebration at home.

5. Rava Modak: Easy & Beginner-Friendly

Not confident about making the perfect rice-flour dough? Rava Modak is a simple alternative for Ganesh Chaturthi 2026.

It uses semolina instead of rice flour and is easy to shape, making it a good choice for beginners.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rava/semolina
• 1½ cups milk
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp. ghee
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts
• A few saffron strands (optional)

Method

1. Heat ghee and lightly roast the Rava.
2. Add milk gradually while stirring to avoid lumps.
3. Add sugar, cardamom and saffron.
4. Cook until the mixture thickens and forms a soft dough-like consistency.
5. Allow it to cool slightly.
6. Grease a modak mold and shape the mixture into modaks.
7. Garnish with chopped nuts.

If you’re trying homemade modaks for the first time, this is one of the easiest Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 recipes to start with.

5 Modak Recipes at a Glance

Modak	Texture	Best For
Ukadiche Modak	Soft & steamed	Traditional bhog
Fried Modak	Crispy & golden	Festive snacking
Chocolate Modak	Rich & fudgy	Kids & chocolate lovers
Mawa Modak	Soft & creamy	Mithai lovers
Rava Modak	Soft & smooth	Beginners

Which Modak Should You Try This Ganesh Chaturthi 2026?

If you want to stay close to tradition, choose Ukadiche Modak.

Want something crispy? Go for Fried Modak.

Craving something indulgent? Try Chocolate or Mawa Modak.

And if you’re a beginner, Rava Modak is an easy place to start.

Better yet, why choose just one? Make a mixed modak platter and turn your Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 celebration into a delicious little tasting experience for your family and friends.

Final Thoughts

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 is about faith, family, food and traditions that bring everyone together. From carefully shaping traditional modaks to trying new flavours, these little sweets can make the celebration even more special.

So, gather your loved ones, put on some festive music and get your kitchen ready for Bappa!

And if you enjoy making recipes like these, why not turn your passion for cooking into a rewarding career?

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Ganpati Bappa Morya!
Mangal Murti Morya!