Modak Recipe - The Ultimate Ukadiche Modak Guide for Ganesh Chaturthi

Modak, the iconic sweet dumpling, is synonymous with Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and harbinger of wisdom. Among the many offerings made to the elephant-headed deity, Ukadiche Modak (steamed modak) holds the most special place. So much so that Ganesha is lovingly called Modakpriya, the one who adores modak.

If you're looking for the best and most authentic modak recipe, especially for Ganeshotsav, this detailed guide walks you through every step, every tip, and every variation, whether you're making it by hand or using a mould.

What is Modak?

Modak is a traditional Maharashtrian sweet dumpling made with a soft rice flour dough (ukad) filled with a sweet coconut-jaggery mixture. These dumplings are then steamed until soft and shiny.

• They are also known as:

• Ukadiche Modak in Marathi

• Modakam / Kozhukattai in Tamil

• Kadubu / Kudumu in Kannada and Telugu

These sacred treats are offered as naivedyam (prashad) to Lord Ganesha during Ganesh Chaturthi, especially in households observing the 21-modak offering tradition.

🥥 Ingredients You’ll Need (For 10–12 Modaks)

• For the Filling (Saran):

• 2 cups fresh grated coconut

• 1 cup jaggery (grated or powdered)

• 1 tsp cardamom powder

• ⅛ tsp nutmeg (optional)

• 1 tbsp ghee

• 2 tbsp chopped cashews (optional)

For the Dough (Ukad):

• 1 cup rice flour (fine grind, preferably labeled "modak flour")

• 1 cup water

• 1 tsp ghee

• A pinch of salt

• Extra warm water for kneading if needed

🍯 How to Make the Sweet Coconut Filling

• In a pan, heat 1 tbsp ghee on medium heat.

• Add grated jaggery and 2 tbsp water (helps melt jaggery evenly).

• Once melted, add coconut, stirring continuously.

• Cook for 10–12 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly dry but sticky (not crumbly).

• Add cardamom powder, nutmeg, and chopped cashews.

• Set aside to cool completely.

Tip: Do not overcook the filling. It should hold shape but stay soft.

How to Make the Dough (Ukad)

• In a pan, bring 1 cup water, ghee, and salt to a boil.

• Reduce the heat and add 1 cup rice flour, stirring vigorously in one direction until a lumpy dough forms.

• Cover and rest for 2 minutes.

• Transfer to a plate. While still warm, knead the dough (use damp hands) until soft and smooth.

• If it feels dry, sprinkle warm water while kneading.

Tip: Dough should be soft, non-sticky, and crack-free. Always keep it covered with a damp cloth.

How to Shape Modak (With & Without Mould)

• With a Mould (Beginner-Friendly):

  
  

  • With a Mould (Beginner-Friendly):

  • Grease the modak mould with ghee.

  • Insert a small dough ball, spread it thinly to cover the inner sides.

  • Add the coconut filling in the center.

  • Seal the bottom with a bit of extra dough.

    
    

• Without a Mould (Traditional Hand Shaping):

  
  

  • Take a dough ball and flatten into a disc.

  • Pinch the edges to form pleats.

  • Place filling in the center and bring pleats together to seal.

  • Form a pointed tip and smooth the base.

  
  

Tip: Keep finished modaks under a damp cloth to prevent drying before steaming.

How to Steam Ukadiche Modak

• Prepare a steamer with boiling water and a rack.

• Place banana leaf or muslin cloth on the steaming tray and arrange modaks.

• Optional: drizzle saffron-soaked milk for fragrance.

• Steam for 10–12 minutes on medium flame.

• Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

• Finish with a drizzle of warm ghee.

You can also use an Instant Pot in steam mode (vent open) for the same timing.

🙏 Why Modak is Important During Ganesh Chaturthi

• Symbol of spiritual knowledge (sweet filling) hidden inside the humble appearance (outer dough)

• Offered in 21s: a sacred number denoting completeness in Hindu rituals

• Represents prosperity, devotion, and wisdom, all attributes of Lord Ganesha

Expert Tips for Perfect Modaks

• Use fine rice flour for smooth texture

• Always cover dough with a damp cloth

• Coconut-jaggery mixture should be moist but not watery

• Don’t over-steam – it can harden the shell

• Serve warm with a spoonful of ghee for divine tasty

🍫 Modern Modak Variations You Can Try

• Fried Modak – crispy outer shell, deep-fried

• Dry Fruit Modak – mawa and nuts based

• Chocolate Modak – kids' favorite with biscuit and cocoa

• Rava/Suji Modak – quick version using semolina

• Malai Modak – made with khoya and cream

🍽️ Cookware Tip

Making perfect modaks often comes down to using authentic Indian cookware, a thick-bottomed pan, a banana leaf-lined steamer, or a modak mould. These tools are easily available at East West USA Store, where tradition meets modern kitchenware.

Conclusion

Ukadiche Modak is not just a festive recipe, it’s a devotional offering, a culinary art, and a cultural celebration. Making modak at home connects us to centuries-old traditions, infusing the home with aroma, spirituality, and sweetness. Whether you shape them with a mould or lovingly by hand, the joy of offering modaks to Lord Ganesha and enjoying them with family is unmatched.

So this Ganesh Chaturthi, embrace the joy of homemade modak and celebrate with love, devotion, and purity.

🪔 Ganpati Bappa Morya! 🪔