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Unfried modaks on a plate.
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5 from 1 vote

Modak or modakam

A delicious Indian dumpling, modak is frequently made for Ganesh Chaturthi, the birthday of the Hindu god Ganesha.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Dessert, Diwali, Indian Sweet
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 18 modaks (approx)
Calories: 163kcal

Equipment

  • Kadhai or wok
  • Rolling pin

Ingredients

For the wrapper

  • ½ cup all purpose flour
  • ½ cup sooji (rava or cream of wheat)
  • 2 tablespoon vegan butter
  • ½ cup nondairy milk (you might not need all of this)

For the coconut filling

  • 1 cup grated coconut
  • 1 cup jaggery (grated finely)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 3 tablespoon coconut milk
  • ¼ cup raw cashews (finely chopped)
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying

Instructions

Make the wrapper

  • Mix the ingredients together then drizzle the milk in slowly, making a stiff but pliable dough. Cover and set aside at least half an hour.

Make the filling

  • Place the coconut and jaggery in a heavy bottomed wok or skillet. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the jaggery has melted.
  • Add the coconut milk and cardamom and mix. Turn off the heat and let the filling cool.

Assemble the modaks

  • Break off a piece of the dough, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll into a ball and then, using very little flour, roll into a disc as thin as possible, about 3 inches in diameter.
  • Place a tablespoonful of the filling in the center. Now gather the edges of the on the top and pinch to seal into a pointed tip. Moisten with some water if needed to ensure a tight seal because you don't want the modak to come apart while it's frying.
  • Heat enough oil to cover the modaks. Once the oil is hot (around 375 degrees Fahrenheit), deep-fry the modaks, a few at a time, until they are golden-brown all over. (Frying at this temperature ensures that the food will absorb almost no oil.)
  • Remove to a dish lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Let the modaks cool before eating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1modak | Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 65mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 85IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2mg