Motichoor Modak Recipe: A Divine Sweet Delight for Celebrations
Motichoor Modak, a quintessential Indian sweet, is an exquisite dessert often prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi. This melt-in-your-mouth delicacy is crafted with golden boondi, a luscious sugar syrup, and an aromatic blend of saffron, cardamom, and rose water. Shaped in the form of modaks (a traditional dumpling-shaped sweet), this recipe is a perfect offering for Lord Ganesha, symbolizing devotion and festive joy. The process may seem intricate, but with patience and a little love, you can master this dessert and create an unforgettable treat.
Whether you’re celebrating a festival or simply indulging in a sweet after your meal, Motichoor Modak is sure to leave a lasting impression. Below is the detailed recipe, complete with ingredients, nutritional information, and easy-to-follow instructions.
Ingredients for Motichoor Modak
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour (besan) | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Orange color (food grade) | A pinch |
| Ghee (clarified butter) | 1 tablespoon |
| Baking soda | A pinch |
| Water | As required |
| Sunflower oil | For frying |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Saffron strands | 10-12 strands |
| Cardamom powder (elaichi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | A pinch (optional) |
| Rose water | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Melon seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Almonds (badam) | 1 teaspoon, crushed |
| Ghee (for greasing) | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
| Nutrient | Value (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Sodium | 30 mg |
| Cholesterol | 5 mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Servings
- Serves: 10 modaks
Cuisine
- Cuisine: Indian
- Course: Dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Motichoor Modak
-
Prepare the Boondi Batter:
- Start by sieving the gram flour (besan) into a clean bowl to remove any lumps. Add a pinch of salt, a pinch of orange food color, and 1 tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter) to the flour. Mix them together to combine.
- Gradually add water, little by little, while stirring continuously to form a smooth batter. The consistency should resemble thick dosa batter—smooth but not too runny.
-
Make Boondis:
- Heat sunflower oil in a wok or kadai over medium heat. Just before you start frying, add a pinch of baking soda to the batter and mix it well.
- Using a perforated ladle or a boondi maker, gently pour the batter into the hot oil to make small, round boondis. The batter will drop through the holes, creating tiny droplets that fry into crispy boondis.
- Fry the boondis until they are 3/4th cooked (not completely crisp yet), then remove them from the oil and drain excess oil on a kitchen towel. Continue this process until all the batter is fried.
-
Cool and Grind the Boondis:
- Allow the fried boondis to cool completely. Once cooled, grind them coarsely using a food processor or pestle and mortar. The texture should be like a coarse powder, not a fine paste.
-
Prepare the Sugar Syrup:
- In a separate pan, combine 1/4 cup of water and 1/2 cup of sugar. Heat the mixture over medium flame, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a “one-string” consistency. This means that when you take a drop of the syrup between your fingers, it should form a single thread.
- Once the syrup is ready, add a pinch of orange food color for the signature hue and turn off the heat.
-
Flavor the Boondis:
- To the cooled and ground boondis, add crushed almonds, melon seeds, a pinch of salt (optional), rose water, cardamom powder, and saffron strands soaked in warm water. Stir everything together to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Gradually pour the sugar syrup into the boondi mixture, little by little, mixing constantly until all the syrup is absorbed. The mixture should be moist but not soggy. Cover it with a cloth and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes so the boondi absorbs all the flavors.
-
Shape the Modaks:
- After 20 minutes, check the mixture and give it a gentle mix with your hands to ensure it’s well-combined and moist.
- Grease your modak molds lightly with ghee. Take small portions of the boondi mixture and press them into the modak mold to form the traditional shape. Press firmly to ensure the modaks hold their shape once removed.
- Once all the modaks are shaped, place them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.
-
Serve:
- After refrigerating, your Motichoor Modaks are ready to be served. You can offer them as a sweet treat during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi or serve them after a traditional meal of Achari Masala Puri and Aloo Dum.
- These modaks are a perfect combination of sweetness and aromatic spices, making them a true festive indulgence.
Tips for Making Perfect Motichoor Modak
- Consistency of Boondi: Ensure that the batter is not too runny or thick. It should have the consistency of pancake batter to form perfect round boondis.
- Frying the Boondis: Don’t over-fry the boondis, as they can become too hard. Fry them lightly to ensure they remain soft and melt in the mouth when combined with the sugar syrup.
- Soaking Saffron: To get the best flavor and color from saffron, soak it in warm water or milk for a few minutes before adding it to the mixture.
- Chill Before Serving: After shaping the modaks, chilling them in the refrigerator helps set the shape and makes them easier to handle and serve.
Why You Should Try Motichoor Modak
Motichoor Modak isn’t just a sweet; it’s a part of a long-standing tradition. Whether it’s the spiritual significance of offering sweets to Lord Ganesha during Ganesh Chaturthi, or simply the joy of sharing this delicacy with friends and family, Motichoor Modak brings people together. The golden, delicate boondi filling, combined with aromatic saffron and cardamom, creates a burst of flavors that are sure to delight everyone at the table. This recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the wonders of Indian desserts and add a little sweetness to their celebrations.
Enjoy your homemade Motichoor Modaks, and may they bring prosperity and joy to your home!
