How to Make & Fold Modak: Easy Guide for Perfect Ganesh Chaturthi Modaks

Ganesh Chaturthi is synonymous with modaks because these sweets are the deity’s favorite. They’re known not just for their taste, but also for their versatile preparation techniques. 

For instance, when you search ‘how to make modak’ online, you will find steaming, frying, and even baking-related preparation techniques! So you can choose your preferred modak-making method based on your convenience and how much time you have.

Easy Modak Making Recipe

Step 1: Gather Your Modak and Filling Ingredients 

Ingredients For Steamed Modak Preparation

Ingredients For Fried/Baked Modak Preparation

Ingredients For The Sweet Modak Filling

Step 2: Make The Modak Filling

Heat a pan on a low flame and add the jaggery. 

Let it melt for a while before adding the coconut, then cook the mixture for 7 minutes, until everything blends properly. Then add the poppy seeds, saffron strands and cardamom powder to the mixture.  Let it cool completely afterwards. 

Step 3: Prepare The Dough

Steamed Modak Dough Preparation

Prepare the dough for the steamed modak in the following manner:

• Boil 1 cup of water in a pan with salt and ghee.
• Add rice flour to the pan and keep mixing. Then cover the pan for 2 minutes. 
• Transfer the mixture to a plate or flat surface and knead until smooth and soft.  

Fried/Baked Modak Dough Preparation

Prepare the dough for the fried or baked modak in the following manner:

• Mix maida, salt, ghee and semolina by hand. 
• Gradually add water to the mixture until the dough becomes firm.
• Let the dough rest for 20 minutes. 

Step 4: Fold and Ready The Dough For Cooking

After preparing the dough, you might be wondering how to fold a modak properly. The answer is to take a small, thick sheet of dough and gently flatten it by hand into a discus shape. 

Add some of the sweet filling in the center, and create pleats all around the discus by using your index finger and thumb. Once done, gather them together to create the familiar potli shape. Your modaks are now ready to be cooked.

Step 5: Steam, Fry or Bake The Modak

Steamed Modak Dough Preparation

Steam the prepared modaks in an idli cooker or steamer pan for 12 minutes, until they become soft and shiny. Then take them out. 

Baked Modak Dough Preparation

Preheat your oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the prepared modaks on it. Brush them with milk or ghee and bake for 25 minutes until they become golden brown. 

Then take them out of the oven and let them cool.  

Fried Modak Dough Preparation

Deep-fry the prepared modaks over medium heat until golden brown. Afterward, let them cool for some time. 

Step 6: Offer To Deity and Serve 

Once your modaks are ready, pour some warm ghee, offer them to the deity, and distribute the rest among your family members.   

How to Fold Modaks: Some Pro Pointers 

Always Grease Hands

Greasing your hands ensures that you can fold and shape the dough properly without breaking it or dropping it. The dough sheets are quite delicate. 

Pleat Patiently

If you are unsure about your pleating skills, use some children’s dough to practice. Use your index finger and thumb to patiently create the required pleats. Ensure that each pleat is perfectly shaped. After making the pleats, practice gathering them together into a potli shape. 

Once you achieve the desired results, proceed with making your modak. 

Use a Thick Sheet

Ensure the kneaded dough is slightly thick so it doesn’t crumble or break while you are shaping it. 

Conclusion 

Once you get your basic skills right, making and folding modaks will feel like a breeze. Just remember to be patient while you are making the modaks, and enjoy the process.

Afterwards, when you gain expertise, you can experiment with different modak recipes like oats modaks, kaju modaks and chocolate modaks for a fun twist.