Ukadiche or steamed modaks

STEAMED MODAKS OR UKADICHE

Steamed modak are considered to be  Ganesha’s favourite. Here is the Modak recipe, of rice flour shells filled with a succulent mixture of jaggery and coconut. Ganesh chathurthi celebrations are so incomplete without them..

Preparation Time: 15 mins
Cooking Time: 30 mins
Makes 21 modaks

INGREDIENTS

For The Dough
2 cups rice flour (chawal ka atta)

For The Filling 1 1/4 cups grated jaggery (gur)
2 cups freshly grated coconut
1 tbsp poppy seeds (khus-khus)
1/2 tsp cardamom (elaichi) powder

OTHER INGREDIENTS

1 tsp ghee for kneading and greasing

METHOD

For the dough
Boil 1¾ cups of water in a deep non-stick pan.Place the rice flour in a deep bowl and add the boiled water gradually. Mix well using a spoon in the beginning and then knead into a soft and smooth dough.Cover with a lid and keep aside for 10 minutes.

For the filling
Heat a deep non-stick pan, add the jaggery and cook on a slow flame for 1 to 2 minutes or till the jaggery melts, while stirring continuously.Add the coconut, poppy seeds and cardamom powder, mix well and cook on a slow flame for 4 to 5 minutes or till all the moisture evaporates and the mixture thickens. Keep aside to cool slightly.Divide the filling into 21 equal portions and keep aside.

HOW TO PROCEED

Knead the dough once again using ½ tsp of ghee and keep aside. Make small balls from the dough. Roll the balls till smooth in your palms. You can also apply some water on your palms, while rolling the balls. Keep the balls covered with a kitchen towel. The balls should not have cracks. They should be smooth in appearance. Take a ball and flatten it with your fingers or on your palms, to a round disc or a shallow bowl shape. you can apply ghee/oil in your palms, while flattening.. Place the modak filling in the center. Press the edges, you can also press the edges first and then add the filling. Bring together all the edges and join them. Remove the extra portion of the dough from the top, if any. Shape and taper the top of the modak with your fingers. You can also use ready modak moulds. They are usually available in shops and market some days before ganesh chaturthi festival in different sizes.
  Place a steamer plate in a steamer and place a banana leaf on it.Moisten all the modaks with little water using your finger tips.Place 10 modaks on the banana leaf and steam on a medium flame for 10 minutes.Repeat step 10 to make 11 more modaks in 1 more batch.Serve warm.

These can last for 2 days and if kept in a refrigerator can last upto 3 days.