Apple Cinnamon Modak Recipe
Ganesh Chaturthi is a time of celebration and joy, and this year, let’s delight your taste buds with a delicious twist on the traditional modak! These Apple Cinnamon Modaks offer the familiar shape and feel of the classic modak, but with an irresistible filling reminiscent of a warm, comforting apple pie. With the sweetness of apples and the warmth of cinnamon, these modaks will bring both festive cheer and a new flavor experience to your celebration.
Cuisine: Maharashtrian Recipes
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
For the Dough (Covering):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 3/4 cup |
| Sooji (Semolina/ Rava) | 1/4 cup |
| Rice Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Ghee | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For deep frying |
For the Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apples (peeled and chopped) | 2 |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 1/4 cup |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 10-12 modaks
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dough for the Modak Covering:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour (maida), sooji (semolina), and rice flour with a pinch of salt.
- Slowly add milk to the flour mixture, kneading the ingredients together until a soft dough forms. If necessary, add a little more milk, but be cautious not to make the dough too sticky.
- Once the dough comes together, add the ghee and knead it again for a few minutes, ensuring it is smooth and pliable.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and allow it to rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period will make the dough even more pliable and easier to work with.
-
Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Filling:
- While the dough is resting, peel and chop the apples into small pieces.
- In a pan, add the chopped apples along with brown sugar (demerara sugar) and cinnamon powder. Cook on medium heat until the apples soften and the sugar has dissolved, creating a delicious, syrupy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Once the apples have cooked down and the filling has thickened, remove it from the heat and set aside to cool.
-
Assemble the Modaks:
- Once the dough has rested, divide it into small balls of equal size. You should get around 10-12 portions, depending on the size you prefer for each modak.
- Roll each dough ball into a small flat circle using a rolling pin. The circle should be thin but not too fragile.
- Place a spoonful of the apple cinnamon filling in the center of each circle.
- Carefully gather the edges of the dough around the filling, pinching them together at the top to form a pleated shape. Press the top together to seal the modak, ensuring no filling escapes during frying.
-
Deep Fry the Modaks:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Test the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready.
- Gently slide each filled modak into the hot oil, one by one, and fry them until they turn golden brown and crisp on all sides. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
- Once fried, remove the modaks from the oil and drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the Apple Cinnamon Modaks cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. The sweet and spicy apple filling paired with the soft, golden covering will surely become a new favorite.
Pro Tips:
- Flavor Variation: You can add chopped nuts like cashews or almonds to the apple filling for an extra crunch.
- Ghee: For an authentic taste, use pure ghee to make the dough; it will enhance the flavor and richness of the modaks.
- Storage: Store any leftover modaks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them and reheat before serving.
This Apple Cinnamon Modak brings a unique twist to the festive treat, making it the perfect dessert for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. With its delightful apple filling and aromatic cinnamon flavor, it’s sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your festive recipe collection.
