Ukadiche Modak Recipe | Steamed Modak for Ganesh Chaturthi

Introduction – The Sweetness of Tradition

The arrival of Ganesh Chaturthi brings joy, devotion, and the aroma of festive delicacies. Every home is filled with prayers, decorations, and offerings for Lord Ganesha. And if there’s one sweet that symbolizes this festival, it’s the Modak.

Modak is not just a sweet — it’s a story of love and devotion. Lord Ganesha is fondly called “Modakpriya”, meaning the one who loves Modak. Among all variations, the Ukadiche Modak, a traditional Maharashtrian steamed dumpling, is considered the most sacred offering (Naivedya) during Ganesh Chaturthi.

When I was a child, I remember my grandmother preparing these Modaks every year. The entire family would gather in the kitchen — some helping with the coconut-jaggery filling, others kneading the rice flour dough. Shaping the Modaks with care, steaming them on banana leaves, and finally placing them before Lord Ganesha with folded hands — it was a ritual that brought everyone together.

Today, I continue this tradition in my own kitchen, and I’m so excited to share this authentic Ukadiche Modak recipe with you. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll understand why Bappa loves them so much!

Ingredients for Ukadiche Modak

To make perfect Modaks, we need just a handful of ingredients.

For Outer Cover (Ukad – Dough)

1 cup rice flour (finely ground, for smooth dough)
1 ¼ cup water
1 tsp ghee
¼ tsp salt

For Filling (Saran – Stuffing)

1 cup freshly grated coconut
¾ cup jaggery (grated)
1 tsp ghee
½ tsp cardamom powder
1 tbsp poppy seeds (optional)
1 tbsp chopped dry fruits (cashew, raisins, almonds – optional)

The magic of Ukadiche Modak lies in the balance of sweet jaggery and soft coconut inside the delicate rice flour shell.

Step-by-Step Method to Make Ukadiche Modak

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Filling (Saran)

Heat 1 tsp ghee in a non-stick pan.
Add grated coconut and sauté lightly for 2–3 minutes.
Add jaggery and mix well until it melts completely.
Cook on low flame for 4–5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
(Don’t overcook — it should stay moist and soft.)
Add cardamom powder, poppy seeds, and dry fruits. Mix and let it cool.

At this stage, the kitchen will smell heavenly — sweet, nutty, and festive!

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Dough (Ukad)

Boil 1 ¼ cup water in a pan. Add salt and 1 tsp ghee.
Lower the flame and slowly add rice flour while stirring continuously.
Mix well, cover, and let it steam for 2–3 minutes.
Transfer to a plate. While warm, knead with greased hands until soft.

Kneading the dough when warm is the secret to crack-free Modaks.

Step 3: Shaping the Modaks

Now comes the most fun (and sometimes challenging!) part.

Traditional Method (by hand):

Take a small dough ball, flatten it into a cup.
Place filling inside, then make pleats gently with your fingers.
Bring edges together and seal at the top.

Easy Method (with mould):

Grease the mould with ghee.
Place some dough inside, add filling, then seal with more dough.
Open the mould to reveal a perfectly shaped Modak.

I still love making Modaks by hand — it feels like an art passed down through generations. But if you’re short on time, moulds are your best friend!

Step 4: Steaming the Modaks

Grease a steamer plate with ghee or line with banana/turmeric leaves.
Arrange Modaks neatly, leaving space between them.
Steam for 10–12 minutes on medium flame.
Brush lightly with ghee once done.

When you lift the steamer lid, the sight of soft, glossy Modaks will make your heart so happy.

Serving Suggestion

Modaks are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Place them in a plate, drizzle with warm ghee, and take that first bite — soft rice flour cover, sweet coconut filling, and the aroma of cardamom — pure bliss!

During Ganesh Chaturthi, Modaks are offered as Naivedya to Lord Ganesha. After the prayers, sharing them with family feels extra special.

Pro Tips for Perfect Ukadiche Modak

Knead the dough while it’s warm, not cold.
If cracks appear, dip fingers in water or ghee and smooth them out.
Always cook filling on low flame to avoid hardening.
Steam on banana leaves for an authentic aroma.
Don’t overcrowd the steamer — Modaks need space to cook evenly.

Variations of Modak You Can Try

While Ukadiche Modak is traditional, you can get creative:

Fried Modak – Crispy wheat flour covering with same filling.
Chocolate Modak – Add cocoa or chocolate chips inside.
Dry Fruit Modak – Dates, figs, and nuts instead of coconut-jaggery.
Instant Modak – Made with milk powder and condensed milk, no steaming required.
Kesariya Modak – Infuse saffron milk into the dough for rich flavor.

Storage Instructions

Ukadiche Modaks taste best when eaten immediately.
Can be stored in refrigerator for 24 hours.
To reheat, steam for 3–4 minutes (do not microwave).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I make Modak without a mould?
Yes! In fact, traditional Modaks are handmade with pleats. Moulds just save time.

Q2. Can I use desiccated coconut?
Fresh coconut is preferred, but desiccated coconut can work if roasted well with little milk.

Q3. Why does my Modak crack while steaming?
The dough wasn’t kneaded enough or became dry. Always knead while warm and soft.

Q4. Can I replace jaggery with sugar?
Yes, but jaggery gives the authentic taste and aroma.

Q5. How many Modaks does this recipe make?
Around 10–12 medium-sized Modaks.

The Cultural Significance of Modak

In Hindu mythology, Modak is believed to be Lord Ganesha’s favorite sweet. It symbolizes spiritual knowledge, prosperity, and happiness. Offering Modaks to Bappa is considered a way of seeking his blessings for new beginnings.

Families come together during Ganesh Chaturthi to prepare Modaks — mothers teaching daughters, children helping with moulds, elders guiding with tips. It’s not just a sweet; it’s a bond of tradition and love.

Ganesh Chaturthi Wishes

As you prepare these sweet Modaks, may your home be filled with love, laughter, and positivity.

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! May Lord Ganesha bless you with wisdom, prosperity, and the sweetness of Modak.

Ganpati Bappa Morya!