Healthy Modak Recipes You Must Try This Ganesh Chaturthi

Come Ganesh Chaturthi, we can’t wait to get our hands on the many varieties of delicious modaks available in the market. However, if you are on a weight loss journey or even a healthy diet, the amount of sugar in modaks can give you nightmares. No more! Try these healthy modak recipes that are sure to make this Ganesh Chaturthi a guilt-free experience. If you are wondering how to make a healthy modak, the key is to use healthy ingredients, add whole grains, nuts, and seeds, and consume them at the right time of the day. Read on to know about some healthy modak recipes, as well as tips on how to make this Ganesh Chaturthi a healthy experience for you and your family.

What is modak?

Modak is an Indian sweet that has an outer shell made from rice or wheat flour and a sweet filling inside. “Guilt-free modaks often use healthier ingredients, such as natural sweeteners (like stevia or coconut sugar), whole grains, or nut flours. These alternatives can reduce the amount of refined sugar and unhealthy fats in your diet,” says the nutritionist. Kejal Shah. Modaks with date filling are also delicious and healthy. Check this out Modak Dates Recipe.

6 Healthy Modak Recipes

Eating modak during Ganpati without feeling guilty is a great way to enjoy the festival while still keeping your health goals in mind. Try these healthy modak recipes.

1. Dried Fruit Modak

Ingredients:

6 figs
8 pitted dates
15-16 almonds
1 tsp walnuts
3-5 Brazil nuts
2 tbsp peanuts
5-6 pistachios
9-10 cashew nuts
1 tsp sesame seeds 1 tsp chironji
1 tsp khus khus
1 tsp. dried coconut 1 tbsp. l. ghee
10 raisins, chopped
5 apricots, sliced
1 tsp ground cardamom

Method

• Soak figs and dates in separate bowls for two hours each.
• Grind the nuts in a coffee grinder.
• Heat the ghee in a frying pan, add the ground nuts and fry well.
• Take another pan and roast sesame seeds, chironji, khuskhus and coconut in it.
• Grind the soaked dates and figs into a thick paste.
• In another pan, heat the ghee, add the paste, fry well and add the chopped raisins, Brazil nuts and apricots.
• Add the chopped fried fruit to the pan and stir thoroughly until it is perfectly combined with the paste.
• Add the coconut mixture and cardamom powder. Mix the ingredients thoroughly into the paste to form a thick mixture.
• Form the dough into modak dumplings using your hands or a special mold.
  Serve the modaks.

2. Beetroot and Coconut Modak

Ingredients

1 cup grated coconut
1/2 cup finely grated raw beets
1/2 cup grated palm sugar
1/4 cup almonds, chopped
1/4 cup raisins
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1 tbsp. l. ghee

Instructions

• Heat ghee in a pan. Add grated beetroot and cook until softened. Add grated coconut, jaggery, almonds and raisins. Cook until the mixture thickens and the jaggery melts.
• Add cardamom powder.
• After the mixture has cooled slightly, shape it into modaks.
• Let them cool completely before serving.

3. Baked Modak

Ingredients

For the filling
Freshly grated coconut – 2 tbsp. Unrefined palm sugar (good) – ½ tbsp.
Poppy seeds (roasted and coarsely ground) – 1 tsp. Ground cardamom – ½ tsp.
Ground nutmeg – ¼ tsp for sprinkling
Rice flour – ½ cup Water – as needed
Salt – to taste

Directions

• Combine coconut and jaggery in a glass bowl, cover and microwave on high for 2 minutes.
• After 2 minutes, remove from the oven and mix in cardamom powder, nutmeg powder and roasted poppy seeds.
• Take water and salt in a glass bowl. Cover and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes until the water boils. Mix rice flour in it, spray water on it, cover and microwave again on medium for 2 minutes.
• After 2 minutes, remove the dough from the oven and knead in a food processor or by hand until smooth.
• Make equal portions of filling and dough. Take one portion of the dough, make a round ball, press the center of the ball slightly with your thumb, make a bowl out of the ball, put one portion of the filling in it, shape and close the modak. Shape all the remaining modaks in the same way.
• In a microwave steamer, add 1/4 cup of water. Keep a mesh in it, dip each modak in water and place it in the steamer. Now cover and microwave on medium power for 5-6 minutes. After 2 minutes, remove from the oven. The modak is ready! Serve hot with ghee.

Special Tips: Do not overcook the modak. It will become tough if overcooked.

4. Gulkand and Mahana Modak

Ingredients:
1 cup makhana (fox nuts)
1/2 cup gulkand
1/4 cup grated coconut
1/4 cup chopped cashews or almonds
1/4 cup finely chopped dates
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1 tbsp. l. ghee or coconut oil

Instructions

• Heat a pan on medium heat and fry the makhana until crispy.
• Let them cool. Once cool, grind them into a coarse powder.
• In a bowl, combine makhana powder, grated coconut, chopped cashews or almonds, chopped dates and cardamom powder. Mix well.
• Add the gulkand carefully. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little ghee or coconut oil to help it stick together.
• Lightly oil your hands or use a moda mold. Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into modaks. Press firmly to hold the shape.
• Place the formed modaks on a parchment paper lined plate. Refrigerate them for 30 minutes to an hour to firm up and set.
• Serve gulkand and makhana modak as a delicious treat. They are ideal for festive occasions or as a special snack.

5. Healthy Baklava Modak

Ingredients:

For the filling:
1 cup chopped nuts (mix of walnuts, almonds and pistachios)
1/4 cup chopped dried figs or dates (for natural sweetness)
1/4 cup finely chopped dark chocolate or cacao nibs (optional, for a hint of chocolate flavor)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

For the Modak shell:
12–15 sheets whole grain filo pastry (or store-bought filo pastry, preferably low fat and sugar)
2 tbsp melted coconut oil or ghee (for brushing the phyllo dough)
1/4 cup coconut flour or almond flour (for sprinkling between layers)
• For light syrup:
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp rose water or vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

• In a bowl, combine chopped nuts, dried figs or dates, dark chocolate or cocoa nibs, cinnamon and cardamom. If you want more sweetness, add honey or maple syrup and mix well.
• If you are using store-bought filo dough, defrost it according to package directions.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly brush each sheet of filo pastry with melted coconut oil or ghee and place them on top of each other. Sprinkle a thin layer of coconut or almond flour between each sheet to prevent sticking and add a little texture.
• Using a modak or muffin tin, cut the filo layers into squares or circles that fit the mold. Gently press the layers into the mold to form a shell. Fill with the prepared mixture.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the filo pastry is golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them so they don't burn.
• While the modaks are baking, make a light syrup. In a small saucepan, combine water and honey (or maple syrup). Heat over medium heat until the syrup thickens slightly. Add rose water or vanilla extract.
• Once you take the modaks out of the oven and they are still warm, brush them lightly with warm syrup to give them a glossy finish and extra flavour.
• Allow the modaks to cool completely before removing them from the mould.
  Enjoy healthy modak baklavas with a cup of tea or as a festive treat!

6. Blueberry and Oat Modak

Ingredients:
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 tsp. chia seeds

Instructions:

• Blend the blueberries into a smooth puree.
• In a bowl, combine the blueberry puree with the oats, almond flour and chopped walnuts. Add honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract, if using, and stir in the chia seeds.
• Shape the mixture into modakis using your hands or a mould.
• Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the mixture to harden.

By replacing fatty fillings with fruits and nuts, you can make your modak truly nutritious and healthy. Be sure to check out some healthy prasadam ideas also for Ganesh Chaturthi.

What is the best time to eat modak?

The healthy modak can be consumed at different times of the day. However, it should be combined with other healthy options.

• Eating modak in the morning can provide a boost of energy and satisfy sweet cravings early in the day. You can pair it with a protein source, like Greek yogurt or a handful of nuts, to create a balanced snack, says Shah.
• Modaks can be a good source of energy and nutrients after a workout, especially if they contain ingredients like nuts, seeds, or fruits. Choose a modak recipe that includes ingredients like nuts or dates to replenish energy and aid in recovery, such as dried fruit modak, recommends Shah.
• Modak can be a great option for curbing afternoon cravings and keeping your metabolism active. Choose modaks that are high in fiber and protein to help keep you fuller longer, says Shah.
• If you're craving something sweet, modaks can be a healthier alternative to other sugary desserts. Opt for blueberry. Limit serving size to 1 and choose modaks made with natural sweeteners and healthy ingredients, says Shah