Modak (Kozhukatta)

Modak (Kozhukatta) is an Indian sweet popular in many parts of India. The sweet filling on the inside of a modak consists of freshly grated coconut and jaggery while the outer soft shell is made from rice flour or wheat flour mixed with khava or maida flour. The modak can be fried or steamed.

It is called modak  in Marathi, Konkani & Gujurati language. Modhaka or Kadubu in Kannada. Modhakam or Kozhukatta in Malayalam.

A famous Indian dessert consumed highly during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi for Hindus &  popularly associated with Oshana Sunday evening celebrations of Saint Thomas Christians for Christians.

Modak (Kozhukatta) Recipe

Recipe Servings: 5

Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Total Cook Time: 40 Minutes

Difficulty Level: Medium

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 cup grated coconut
• 1 cup grated jaggery
• A pinch of nutmeg
• A pinch of saffron

For the shell:

• 1 cup of water
• 2 tsp ghee
• 1 cup of rice flour

Instructions

1. Heat a pan, add the grated coconut & jaggery.
2. Stir for about 5 mins. Add the nutmeg & saffron, mix well.
3. Cook for another 5 mins & keep aside.

1. In a kadai, boil water with ghee. Add the salt & flour. Mix well.
2. Cover the dish & cook till its half done.
3. Spread some ghee on the base of a steel bowl & while the dough is still hot, knead it well.
4. Now take a little dough, roll it into a ball, flatten it well, shape the edges into a flower pattern.
5. Put a spoonful of the filling onto the dough & seal it.
6. Put the dumplings in a muslin cloth & steam them for 10-15 mins. Serve.

History

According to the Hindu mythology, modak is believed to be Ganesh’s favourite food, and hence he is also known as Modakapriya, someone who likes modak. As per the rituals, 21 modaks are offered to the Lord Gajanan as bhog and eventually served as prasad to all the devotees.

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