Nimmy's Kitchen: Modak/ Kozhukatta (one method)

On Ganesh Chaturthi, we keep Ganesha's idol in our apartment. I have mentioned all the activities that goes on in our apartment on these days in my previous post. You can check here http://nimmyskitchen.blogspot.in/2012/09/happy-ganesh-chaturthi.html

I usually make Modak (Ganesha's favourite) as an offering to Lord Ganesha. I thought i will share the recipe so it would be a help for those who doesn't know how to make it.

As far as i know, there are 3 methods of making this dish. In short...

First method is by taking rice flour, mix it with water and make a dough and fill it with jaggery coconut mixture.
Second method is by making rice dough by grinding soaked rice and then filling it with jaggery coconut mixture.
Third method is by mixing jaggery, grated coconut and rice flour together, make small balls and steam it. (not used widely). I don't make this type of modakas as i don't like the taste.

So in all these three methods, we need the jaggery coconut mixture. I will first show how to make it.

Ingredients

For filling

3 cups grated coconut
1 cup melted jaggery (adjust according to the sweetness you require)
2 tsp cardamom powder
2 tsp ghee

Method

In a non stick pan, put ghee and the melted jaggery. Mix well and when it bubbles, add the grated coconut and cardamom powder. Mix well.
When the coconut mixture dries up take it off from heat and let it cool.

Ist Method

Ingredients

2 cups Rice flour (you can use basamati rice flour)
1 tbsp Ghee
2 cups Water
1 tsp Salt

Method

In a non stick pan, boil water by adding salt and ghee.
When the water comes to a boil, add in the rice flour. Mix well and cover it for about 1 to 2 minutes.
Open the cover, sprinkle some water and again mix it. Don't mix thoroughly so as to make a dough (just slightly mix). Cover it again. Let it cook for 1 more minute.
Follow the above mentioned process for 3 times.
Later, transfer the contents into a big plate and knead it to form a smooth dough. (pictures are shown below). You have to knead it when it is still hot, by dipping your hand in water so that you wont feel the hotness of the dough.
Knead for about 10 to 15 minutes to form the smooth dough and apply some oil in your palms and knead again. Cover it with damp cloth and take small portions from it when making modakas.
Make small balls out of it and spread it in your palms as thin as possible.
Put some filling in the centre and close it to form the shape of modakas.
If you are not able to make the shape, just make it round. Shape doesn't matter, but the taste will be too good. I couldn't make the perfect shape:(
Put the modakas in a steamer and steam it for about 10 minutes till it is cooked.
Transfer into a bowl and serve.