Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival celebrated with much devotion and enthusiasm, marking the birth of Lord Ganesha. Devotees offer various types of sweets and delicacies to Lord Ganesha, with Modak being one of the most popular offerings. While traditional Modak is made with a stuffing of coconut and jaggery, a healthier variation of this sweet, known as Dry Fruits Modak, is becoming increasingly popular for those who wish to indulge in a nutritious yet delectable prasad. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to make this wholesome and tasty Dry Fruits Modak.
Why Dry Fruits Modak?
While traditional Modaks are made with rice flour and sweet fillings, Dry Fruits Modak is a great alternative as it provides a more nutritious option. Packed with the goodness of nuts, dry fruits, and seeds, this version of Modak offers the health benefits of these ingredients along with the sweetness of jaggery and honey. It’s an ideal choice for health-conscious individuals and those looking for a gluten-free, dairy-free, or sugar-free prasad.
Ingredients for Dry Fruits Modak
For the outer shell:
- 1 cup desiccated coconut (fresh or dried)
- 1 cup almond flour or cashew flour
- 1 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 cup water (for binding)
For the dry fruit filling:
- 1/2 cup dates (pitted and chopped)
- 1/4 cup cashews (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup almonds (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup walnuts (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp raisins
- 1 tbsp melon seeds
- 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- 1-2 tbsp honey (optional, for sweetness)
For garnishing:
- Gold or silver vark (edible foil, optional)
- A few whole almonds or cashews
Instructions to Make Dry Fruits Modak
1. Prepare the Filling
- Start by soaking the dates in warm water for about 10-15 minutes to soften them. Drain the water.
- In a food processor, combine the dates, chopped cashews, almonds, walnuts, raisins, and seeds (melon and pumpkin seeds). Pulse them into a coarse mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add cardamom powder. For extra sweetness, you can add honey to the mixture.
- Keep this filling aside.
2. Prepare the Outer Shell
- In a non-stick pan, heat ghee over low-medium heat.
- Add the desiccated coconut and almond flour (or cashew flour). Stir well and roast for about 2-3 minutes until the coconut and flour are lightly toasted.
- Add water gradually and mix the ingredients together to form a dough-like consistency. Continue stirring for a few minutes.
- Once the dough comes together and no longer sticks to the pan, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool for a bit.
3. Shape the Modaks
- Grease your hands with a little ghee or oil to make shaping the modaks easier.
- Take a small portion of the coconut-almond dough and roll it into a ball.
- Flatten it slightly and place a small amount of the dry fruit filling in the center of the dough.
- Carefully fold the edges of the dough around the filling, pinching the sides to form the modak shape. You can shape the modaks using a modak mold for a more uniform appearance.
4. Steam the Modaks (Optional)
- If you wish to steam the modaks, place them in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper or a clean cloth.
- Steam for about 10-12 minutes, or until the modaks have a slightly glossy appearance.
- Steaming enhances the flavors and gives the modaks a soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Once your Dry Fruits Modaks are ready, you can garnish them with a touch of edible gold or silver foil for an extra festive touch.
- Serve them as prasad to Lord Ganesha and enjoy them with your family and friends.
Health Benefits of Dry Fruits Modak
- Nutrient-rich: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, Dry Fruits Modaks provide essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Boosts Immunity: Ingredients like almonds, cashews, walnuts, and dates are known to boost immunity and improve overall health.
- Energy-boosting: Dates and dry fruits are natural sources of energy, making this modak an excellent option to fuel you during the festival.
- Good for Heart Health: Nuts like walnuts and almonds contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for promoting heart health.
Tips for Making the Perfect Dry Fruits Modak
- You can customize the dry fruits in the filling based on your preferences. Add pistachios, figs, or apricots to create a unique flavor.
- If you prefer a sugar-free version, opt for organic honey or jaggery for sweetness.
- You can make the modaks in advance and refrigerate them. They stay fresh for up to 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container.
- For those who prefer a vegan option, skip the ghee and use coconut oil instead.
Conclusion
Dry Fruits Modak is a perfect blend of tradition and health, offering a wholesome and delicious prasad for Ganesh Chaturthi. Whether you are looking for a healthier alternative or simply want to indulge in the goodness of dry fruits, this modak will surely be a hit at your festival celebrations. Its rich, nutty flavor and chewy texture are sure to please both young and old alike. So, this Ganesh Chaturthi, offer your prayers along with this healthy and tasty treat to Lord Ganesha and celebrate the festival with a modern twist!
