Apple Cinnamon Modak Recipe
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Maharashtrian
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Total Time: 55 minutes (Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 40 mins)
Ingredients
| 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 |
| Sunflower Oil | 3 cups (for deep frying) |
| Apples (peeled and chopped) | 2 |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 1/4 cup |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information
While this recipe doesn’t include the exact nutritional breakdown, you can expect a delightful balance of sweet, warm spices with a touch of ghee, making this treat both comforting and indulgent. Modaks are often enjoyed during festivals, offering a perfect combination of flavors.
Instructions
For the Dough:
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Mix the Flours: In a large mixing bowl, combine maida (all-purpose flour), sooji (semolina), and rice flour. Add a pinch of salt to the mix.
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Add Milk: Slowly pour in milk and begin kneading the dough, adding more milk as necessary, until the dough becomes soft and pliable. The dough should be smooth and not too sticky.
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Incorporate Ghee: Once the dough is well combined, add ghee and knead once again. This will help make the dough soft and fragrant.
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Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period allows the flour to absorb the moisture and results in a smoother, more elastic dough.
For the Filling:
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Prepare the Apples: In a saucepan, add the peeled and chopped apples along with brown sugar. Cook the mixture over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the apples soften, becoming a thick, syrupy filling.
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Add Cinnamon: Once the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat. Stir in the cinnamon powder. The warm aroma of cinnamon will infuse the apples and create the signature Apple Cinnamon filling. Let this mixture cool slightly before filling the modaks.
Assembling the Modaks:
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Divide the Dough: After the dough has rested, divide it into 8 equal portions. Keep the remaining portions covered with a moist cloth to prevent them from drying out while you work.
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Shape the Dough: Take one portion of dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Place it on your palm and flatten it gently with the other hand, forming a disc about 1 inch in diameter. The edges should be thinner than the center.
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Fill the Modak: Form the disc into a bowl shape. Place a spoonful of the apple-cinnamon filling in the center of the dough bowl.
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Seal the Modak: Carefully pinch the edges of the dough upwards, bringing them together at the top to seal the filling inside. Shape the dough into a pointed tip, mimicking the traditional modak shape.
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Fry the Modaks: Heat sunflower oil in a deep frying pan. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), gently drop the prepared modaks into the oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
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Golden Brown Perfection: Fry the modaks for 4-5 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown and crisp. The modaks should be crunchy on the outside, with a soft, warm apple-cinnamon filling inside.
Serving the Apple Cinnamon Modaks:
Once fried, carefully remove the modaks from the oil and drain them on a paper towel. Serve these warm, crispy treats to your family and friends, and enjoy the perfect fusion of apple, cinnamon, and the richness of ghee in every bite. These Apple Cinnamon Modaks are bound to be a festive favorite, adding a sweet touch to your celebrations!
Tips for the Perfect Apple Cinnamon Modak:
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Dough Consistency: The key to a smooth dough lies in the milk-to-flour ratio. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more rice flour or semolina; if it’s too dry, add a few more drops of milk.
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Frying Tips: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s too cold, the modaks will absorb excess oil and become soggy. To check, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
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Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom to add complexity to the flavor profile of the filling.
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Resting Time for Dough: Don’t skip the resting time for the dough. This step is essential to achieve a soft, smooth texture that’s easy to shape.
These Apple Cinnamon Modaks are the perfect blend of traditional and contemporary flavors, sure to be a hit during festive occasions like Ganesh Chaturthi or Diwali. Enjoy!
