Ganesh Chaturthi: 6 healthy modak recipes for guilt-free, sugar-free celebrations

Come Ganesh Chaturthi, and we can not wait to get our palms on quite a few types of yummy modaks obtainable available in the market. Nevertheless, in case you are on the load loss, and even wholesome consuming, wagon, the quantity of sugar in modaks is perhaps supplying you with nightmares. Not any extra! Check out these wholesome modak recipes which might be certain to make this Ganesh Chaturthi a guilt-free expertise. In case you are questioning how you can make wholesome modak, then the important thing lies in utilizing wholesome elements, including entire grains, nuts and seeds, in addition to consuming these on the proper time of the day. Learn on for some wholesome modak recipes, in addition to recommendations on how you can make this Ganesh Chaturthi a wholesome expertise for you and your loved ones.

What’s modak?

Modak is an Indian Candy, which has an outer shell made up of rice flour or wheat flour, and a candy filling inside. “Guilt-free modaks typically use more healthy elements like pure sweeteners (equivalent to stevia or coconut sugar), entire grains, or nut flours. These alternate options can cut back the quantity of refined sugar and unhealthy fat in your weight-reduction plan,” says dietician Kejal Shah. Modaks with date fillings are additionally scrumptious in addition to wholesome. Try this dates modak recipe.

6 recipes of wholesome modaks

Consuming guilt-free Modak throughout Ganpati celebrations is a good way to benefit from the festivities whereas maintaining your well being objectives in thoughts. Check out these wholesome modak recipes.

1. Dry fruit modak

Elements:

6 Figs
8 SeedlessDates
15-16 Almonds
1 tsp Walnuts
3-5 BrazilNuts
2 tbsp Peanuts
5-6 Pistachios
9-10 Cashewnuts
1 tsp Sesame Seeds 1 tsp Chironji
1 tsp Khus Khus
1 tsp Desiccated Coconut 1 Tbsp Ghee
10 Raisins, chopped
5 Apricots, chopped
1 tsp Cardamom Powder

Technique

• Soak the figs and dates in separate bowls for 2 hours every
• Grind the nuts in a grinder
• Warmth the ghee in a pan, put the bottom nuts within the pan, and sauté properly.
• Take one other pan and dry roast the sesame seeds, chironji, khuskhus, and desiccated coconut in it.
• Grind the soaked dates and figs right into a thick paste.
• Warmth ghee in one other pan, put within the paste, sauté properly, and add the chopped raisins, brazil nuts and apricots.
• Add floor fry fruits to the pan and blend properly to infuse them completely with the paste.
• Add the coconut combination and cardamom powder. Combine the elements properly with the paste to kind a thick combination.
• Form the paste into modak dumplings utilizing both the palms or a modak mould.
  Serve the modaks.

2. Beetroot and Coconut Modak

Elements

1 cup grated coconut
1/2 cup finely grated uncooked beetroot
1/2 cup jaggery, grated
1/4 cup almonds, chopped
1/4 cup raisins
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
1 tbsp ghee

Directions

• Warmth ghee in a pan. Add grated beetroot and prepare dinner till it softens. Add grated coconut, jaggery, almonds, and raisins. Cook dinner till the combination thickens and the jaggery melts.
• Stir in cardamom powder.
• As soon as cooled barely, form into modaks.
• Permit them to chill fully earlier than serving.

3. Baked Modak

Elements

For stuffing
Freshly grated coconut – 2 tbsp Jaggery (gud) – ½ tbsp
Poppy seeds (roasted and coarsely crushed) – 1 tsp cardamom powder – ½ tsp
Nutmeg powder – ¼ tsp For Protecting
Rice flour – ½ cup Water- as wanted
Salt – as per style

Instructions

• Combine coconut and jaggery (gud) in a glass dish, microwave lined on excessive energy for two minutes.
• Take away from oven after 2 minutes and blend cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, and roasted poppy seeds in it.
• Take water, and salt in a glass bowl. cowl and microwave on excessive for 1 to 2 minutes until water begins boiling. Combine rice flour in it, spray water on it, cowl and once more microwave on medium energy for two minutes.
• After 2 minutes take away from oven, and knead in processor or by hand to make a easy dough.
• Make equal parts of stuffing and dough. Take one portion of dough, make a spherical ball, gently urgent the centre of the ball utilizing your thumb make a cup of the ball, place one portion of the stuffing in it, and form and shut the modak. Mould all remaining modaks in the identical manner.
• In a microwave steamer take 1/4 th cup water. Hold the mesh in it, dip every modak in water and hold it in a steamer. Now cowl and microwave on medium energy for five to six minutes. After 2 minutes standing take away from oven. Modak is prepared! Serve scorching with ghee.

Particular tips- Don’t oversteam the modak. It should develop into onerous by overcooking.

4. Gulkand and Makhana Modak

Elements:
1 cup makhana (fox nuts)
1/2 cup gulkand
1/4 cup grated coconut
1/4 cup chopped cashews or almonds
1/4 cup finely chopped dates
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
1 tbsp ghee or coconut oil

Directions

• Warmth a pan on medium flame and roast the makhana till they develop into crispy.
• Permit them to chill. As soon as cooled, grind them into a rough powder.
• In a mixing bowl, mix the makhana powder, grated coconut, chopped cashews or almonds, chopped dates, and cardamom powder. Combine properly.
• Gently fold within the gulkand. If the combination is just too thick, you’ll be able to add just a little ghee or coconut oil to assist bind it collectively.
• Calmly grease your palms or use a Modak mould. Take small parts of the combination and form them into modaks. Press firmly to make sure they maintain their form.
• Place the formed modaks on a plate lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate them for about half-hour to an hour to agency up and set.
• Serve the gulkand and makhana modaks as a pleasant deal with. They’re good for festive events or as a particular snack.

5. Wholesome Baklava Modak

Elements:

For the Filling:
1 cup chopped nuts (a mixture of walnuts, almonds, and pistachios)
1/4 cup chopped dried figs or dates (for pure sweetness)
1/4 cup finely chopped darkish chocolate or cocoa nibs (non-compulsory, for a contact of chocolate flavour)
1/2 tsp floor cinnamon
1/2 tsp floor cardamom
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (non-compulsory, for added sweetness)

For the Modak Shell:
12-15 sheets of entire wheat phyllo dough (or store-bought phyllo dough, ideally low in fats and sugar)
2 tbsp melted coconut oil or ghee (for brushing the phyllo dough)
1/4 cup coconut flour or almond flour (to mud between layers)
• For the Mild Syrup:
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp rose water or vanilla extract (non-compulsory)

Directions

• In a bowl, mix the chopped nuts, dried figs or dates, darkish chocolate or cocoa nibs, cinnamon, and cardamom. In order for you further sweetness, add honey or maple syrup and blend properly.
• If utilizing store-bought phyllo dough, thaw it in accordance with bundle directions.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Calmly brush every sheet of phyllo dough with melted coconut oil or ghee and place them on prime of one another. Mud a skinny layer of coconut flour or almond flour between every sheet to stop sticking and add a little bit of texture.
• Utilizing a modak mould or a muffin tin, lower the layered phyllo dough into squares or circles that match the mould. Gently press the layers into the mould to kind a shell. Fill with the ready combination.
• Bake within the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or till the phyllo dough is golden and crispy. Regulate them to keep away from burning.
• Whereas the modaks are baking, put together the sunshine syrup. In a small saucepan, mix water and honey (or maple syrup). Warmth over medium warmth till the syrup thickens barely. Add rose water or vanilla extract.
• As soon as the modaks are out of the oven and nonetheless heat, flippantly brush them with the nice and cozy syrup to offer them a shiny end and added flavour.
• Permit the modaks to chill fully earlier than eradicating them from the mould.
  Take pleasure in your wholesome baklava modaks with a cup of tea or as a festive deal with!

6. Blueberry and Oat Modak

Elements:
• 1 cup contemporary or frozen blueberries
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup(non-compulsory)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract(non-compulsory)
• 1 tsp chia seeds

Directions:

• Mix blueberries right into a easy puree.
• In a bowl, mix blueberry puree with rolled oats, almond flour, and chopped walnuts. Add honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract if utilizing & add chia seeds.
• Form the combination into modaks utilizing your palms or a mould.
• Refrigerate for half-hour to agency up.

By changing fattening fillings with fruit and nuts, you can also make your modak really nutritious in addition to wholesome. Be sure that to take a look at some wholesome prasad concepts for Ganesh Chaturthi as properly.

What’s the greatest time to eat modak?

A wholesome modak will be loved at totally different occasions of the day. Nevertheless, they should be teamed up with different wholesome choices.

• Consuming a modak within the morning can present a lift of power and fulfill candy cravings early within the day. You could pair it with a protein supply like Greek yoghurt or a handful of nuts to create a balanced snack, says Shah
• Modaks could be a good supply of power and vitamins after a exercise, particularly in the event that they comprise elements like nuts, seeds, or fruits. Select a modak recipe that features elements like nuts or dates to replenish power and help in restoration, like a dry fruit Modak, recommends Shah.
• A modak could be a nice choice to curb afternoon cravings and hold your metabolism lively. Go for a modak with excessive fibre and protein content material to maintain you fuller for longer, says Shah.
• In case you’re craving one thing candy, a modak could be a more healthy different to different sugary desserts. Select the Blueberry one. Restrict portion measurement to 1 and select modaks made with pure sweeteners and healthful elements, says Shah