Making Modak at home: How to ace this sweet treat in a few simple steps

If you’re hearing chants of ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’, don’t think that you’re imagining things! Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 is here, and it’s set to begin on August 27 and run until September 6. Ganesh Chaturthi is a joyous ten-day celebration honoring Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and begetter of wisdom and prosperity.

The festival that marks the birthday celebration of Lord Ganesha is celebrated with decorated idols, fragrant garlands, and sweet modaks.Now, Modak, the tender, pleated dumpling often filled with coconut and jaggery, is considered Ganpati’s favourite, symbolizing spiritual bliss and abundance. More than just sweet dumplings, modaks symbolize joy and spiritual knowledge. This sweet has a special place at every Ganpati shrine and family altar.

But beyond devotion, modaks bring families together in the warmth of tradition, joy, and shared memories.

Steamed versions, known as Ukadiche Modak, filled with coconut and jaggery, melt in your mouth and hold centuries of tradition. So, if you’re looking to celebrate this Ganesh Chaturthi with heart and sugar, here’s your guide to making perfect modak at home, why it’s such a beloved offering, and how to ace this sweet treat in just a few simple steps.

Why modak is a festival must-have

Modak holds a beloved place in Ganesh Chaturthi traditions because of both myth and meaning. According to the Ganesh Purana, Goddess Parvati tested her sons Ganesha and Kartikeya: the one who circled the earth first would earn a divine sweet. While Kartikeya set off on his peacock, Ganesha wisely circled his parents, honoring them as the universe, so he received the divine modak.Modak, from the Sanskrit meaning "a small part of bliss," is more than just a dessert.

It’s an offering of devotion believed to bring wisdom, prosperity, and remove obstacles. Traditionally, devotees offer 21 or 101 modaks to Lord Ganesha as naivedya (prasadam) during Ganesh Chaturthi. It’s a culinary symbol of joy and spiritual abundance that resonates not only across India but also connects the devotees worldwide.

Quick and easy Ukadiche (steamed) modak recipe

IngredientsFor the outer dough:1 cup rice flour1 cup water¼ tsp salt½ tsp gheeFor the filling (Saran):1 cup freshly grated coconut1 cup jaggery (grated)½ tsp ghee¼ tsp cardamom powder (plus a pinch of nutmeg if available)

Step-by-step making

Prepare the dough (Ukad): Boil water with ghee and salt. Gradually add rice flour while stirring, until it forms a soft dough. Cover and let it rest briefly. Knead until smooth and pliableMake the filling (Saran): Heat ghee in a pan, then add grated coconut and jaggery. Stir on medium heat until the jaggery melts and binds well with the coconut.

Sprinkle cardamom (and nutmeg if using), cook a minute more until the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.Shape the modak: Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten into discs, place some filling in the center, and shape into a peak (classic form). Beginners can use molds to fold the dough around filling in the mold, and remove carefully.Steam the modaks: Grease a steamer tray with ghee. Place modaks with space between.

Steam for 10-15 minutes until they look slightly translucent. Serve warm with a drizzle of ghee.

Pro tips to ace your modak

Want to steam your modaks to perfection?Softness is the key: Use hot water to knead rice flour so the dough stays pliable—prevents cracking.Tight seals, no leaks: Ensure the modak filling is slightly dry, and pleats sealed with wet fingers prevent spillage.Practice makes perfect: Start with simple hand-shaping before using moulds, and keep modaks covered with a damp cloth to avoid drying.