Modak - A sweet for Ganapati Bappa

Ganapati festival has started. I really miss Pune during this period of the year. Next ten days the whole city would be busy celebrating the festival. The pandals, the lights, the decorations, the loud music, the pujas and aartis, I miss all of them. And Modak is just one of those items which makes Ganapati festival so special. This is the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Ganesh Chaturthi. Tried preparing this at home and sharing the recipe.

Ingredients:
For filling:

• Coconut                   - 1 cup, shredded or grated
• Jaggery                    - 1 cup
• Poppy seeds             - 2 Tbsp(optional)
• Cardamom powder   - ½ tsp

For dough:

• Rice flour            - 1 cup
• Water                 - 1.5 cup
• Salt                    - a pinch
• Ghee                  - 1 tsp

Method:

1. Heat a pan and dry roast the poppy seeds and keep aside. 

2. In the same pan add coconut and jaggery and cook on low heat till jaggery melts.

3. Add poppy seeds and cook for another 10 minutes till the mixture no more remains watery and thickens. 

4. Add the cardamom powder and mix well. The filling is ready, keep aside. 

5. In a deep pan add water and bring it to boil. 

6. Add ghee and a pinch of salt. 

7. Reduce the heat to low. Now add rice flour gradually stirring continuously till the rice flour is mixed with water. 
8. Remove from stove and keep it covered for few minutes. 

9. Take the mix in a big plate or bowl and knead with hand till a nice dough is formed. 

10. Make small balls from the dough. Roll the balls in your palm till smooth. You can apply some water on your palms while rolling. 

11. Take a ball in your palm and flatten it with your fingers to a round disc or a shallow bowl. 

12. Place modak filling in the center.  

13. Bring together the edges and seal the top. Make sure there is no crack in the modak. 

14. Place modak in a steamer and steam for 12 minutes.

15. Remove from steamer and serve hot with a dollop of ghee.