Motichoor Modak Recipe (Ganesh Chaturthi Special)
Motichoor Modak is a traditional Indian sweet that is commonly prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This sweet, which is adored by many, is an amalgamation of tiny, soft boondi balls soaked in sugar syrup and packed into a modak shape. With a touch of saffron, cardamom, and nuts, Motichoor Modak is the perfect festive treat. Let’s walk you through the process of preparing this delicious dessert that is sure to impress your family and guests.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Boondi
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Besan (Gram Flour) | ½ cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Orange Color | A pinch |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Cooking Soda | A pinch |
| Oil (for frying) | As required |
| Water | As needed |
For the Sugar Syrup
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | ½ cup |
| Water | ¼ cup |
For Topping and Flavoring
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Saffron strands | 12 threads |
| Cardamom Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Rose Water | ½ teaspoon (optional) |
| Melon Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Crushed Almonds | 1 teaspoon |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Boondi Mixture:
- Start by sieving the besan (gram flour) to remove any lumps. Add salt, orange color, and ghee to the flour. Mix well.
- Gradually add water to this mixture and stir continuously until you get a batter with a consistency similar to pancake batter.
-
Fry the Boondi:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Once the oil is hot, add a pinch of cooking soda to the batter and mix well.
- Using a boondi maker or a slotted spoon with small holes, drop the batter into the hot oil to form small boondi balls.
- Fry the boondi until they are golden brown and crispy, but not overly cooked. Remove the fried boondi and place them on a kitchen towel to absorb excess oil. Repeat this step until all the boondi are fried.
-
Prepare the Sugar Syrup:
- In a separate pan, combine sugar and water. Cook the mixture on medium heat until it reaches a one-string consistency (when a small drop of syrup between your fingers forms a single thread).
- Add a pinch of orange color to the syrup and turn off the heat.
-
Flavor the Boondi:
- Once the fried boondi has cooled down, grind them slightly in a mixer to break them into smaller pieces.
- Add saffron, cardamom powder, rose water (optional), melon seeds, and crushed almonds to the boondi. Mix well.
- Gradually add the prepared sugar syrup to the boondi mixture and mix until the boondi is well coated with the syrup. Cover and let it sit for 15-20 minutes for the flavors to infuse.
-
Shape the Modaks:
- After 20 minutes, take the boondi mixture and gently mix it again. Grease the modak mold with a little ghee.
- Fill the mold with the boondi mixture, pressing it down slightly to ensure the shape holds.
- Let the modaks set in the mold for a few minutes. After that, gently remove the modaks from the mold.
-
Chill and Serve:
- Place the prepared Motichoor Modaks in the refrigerator for a short while to let them set.
- Once chilled, remove from the mold and serve them fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Motichoor Modak can be served as a sweet offering during Ganesh Chaturthi or as a delightful treat after any meal. These modaks are aromatic, flavorful, and a perfect representation of traditional Indian sweets. They are bound to bring joy and sweetness to your celebrations and are sure to be loved by all who try them.
Enjoy these soft, sweet, and aromatic Motichoor Modaks with your loved ones, and share the joy of the festival!
