Ganesh Chaturthi is a joyous occasion marked by devotion, festivity, and savoring Lord Ganesha’s beloved sweet—MODAK. While the classic steamed modak remains a popular offering, there are numerous other varieties to relish, each with its own distinctive taste and texture. From the soft and traditional ukadiche modak to the crunchy fried versions, and even creative twists like dark chocolate or dry fruit modaks, there is a modak to suit every preference. Whether you lean towards classic sweets, savory flavors, or contemporary takes on the original recipe, these diverse modak options bring a unique charm to the festivities. Embrace the celebration with an array of modaks that blend tradition and creativity, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
14 Different Types of Modak with Recipes for Ganesh Chaturthi
Ukadiche Modak (Steamed Modak)
Description: A traditional favorite, ukadiche modak is made from a dough of rice flour and filled with a sweet mixture of coconut, jaggery, and cardamom. It is steamed to perfection, giving it a soft and moist texture.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 1 cup jaggery (grated)
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- 1 cup water
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: In a pan, combine grated coconut, jaggery, and cardamom powder. Cook on low heat until the jaggery melts and the mixture thickens. Let it cool.
- Make the Dough: Boil water with a pinch of salt. Add rice flour and stir continuously until it forms a dough. Let it cool slightly.
- Shape the Modaks: Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten each ball into a small disc, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and fold the edges to form a modak shape.
- Steam: Place the modaks in a steamer and steam for about 15-20 minutes. Serve warm.
Fried Modak
Description: Fried modaks are crispy on the outside and sweet on the inside. They are often enjoyed as a variation to the steamed version.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 cup jaggery (grated)
- 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: Cook grated coconut and jaggery together until the mixture thickens. Let it cool.
- Make the Dough: Mix all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and ghee to form a dough.
- Shape and Fill: Roll out small discs of dough, place filling in the center, and fold into a modak shape.
- Fry: Heat oil in a pan and fry the modaks until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Chocolate Modak
Description: A modern twist on the classic, chocolate modaks combine the rich flavor of chocolate with traditional ingredients.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1/4 cup jaggery (grated)
- 1/4 cup crushed nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: Melt the dark chocolate and mix with grated coconut and jaggery. Add crushed nuts if desired.
- Shape: Pour the mixture into modak molds and let it set in the refrigerator.
- Serve: Once set, pop out the modaks and enjoy.
Kesar Modak (Saffron Modak)
Description: Kesar modak is flavored with saffron, giving it a distinctive aroma and color. This variation is aromatic and rich in taste.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 cup jaggery (grated)
- 1/4 tsp saffron strands
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- 1 cup water
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: Soak saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm water. Combine grated coconut, jaggery, and saffron water. Cook until thickened and let it cool.
- Make the Dough: Boil water with a pinch of salt. Add rice flour and stir until it forms a dough. Let it cool.
- Shape the Modaks: Divide dough into small balls, flatten each, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and fold into a modak shape.
- Steam: Steam for about 15-20 minutes and serve warm.
Salted Modak
Description: Salted Modak offers a savory twist on the traditional sweet treat, combining a spiced coconut filling with a soft rice flour dough. Infused with flavors like mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies, this unique Modak is perfect for those who enjoy a savory snack.
Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp ghee
- Pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1/4 cup roasted chana dal
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp urad dal
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
- Pinch of asafoetida
- 6-8 curry leaves
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: Boil water with salt and ghee. Add rice flour gradually, stirring to avoid lumps. Cook for 2 minutes, then cool and knead.
- Prepare the Filling: Heat oil, add mustard seeds, urad dal, and cumin seeds. Sauté, then add green chilies, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Add coconut, chana dal, turmeric, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Shape and Steam: Shape dough into discs, add filling, and form Modaks. Steam for 10-12 minutes until cooked.
Dal Modak
Description: Chana dal modak is filled with a mixture of chana dal (split chickpeas), coconut, and jaggery. It’s a rich and nutritious variant.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chana dal
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 cup jaggery (grated)
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup water
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: Cook chana dal in water until soft. Drain and mash. Mix with grated coconut, jaggery, and cardamom powder. Cook until thickened and let it cool.
- Make the Dough: Boil water with a pinch of salt. Add rice flour and stir until it forms a dough. Let it cool.
- Shape the Modaks: Divide dough into small balls, flatten each, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and fold into a modak shape.
- Steam: Steam for about 15-20 minutes and serve warm.
Paneer Modak
Description: This variant uses paneer (Indian cottage cheese) as a filling, making it a creamy and delicious option.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup paneer, crumbled
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 cup jaggery (grated)
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup water
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: Mix crumbled paneer with grated coconut, jaggery, and cardamom powder. Cook until thickened. Let it cool.
- Make the Dough: Boil water with a pinch of salt. Add rice flour and stir until a dough forms. Let it cool.
- Shape the Modaks: Divide dough into small balls, flatten each, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and fold into a modak shape.
- Steam: Steam for about 15-20 minutes and serve warm.
Coconut Modak
Description: A simple and classic variant made with a rich coconut filling, often sweetened with jaggery.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 cup jaggery (grated)
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup water
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: Mix grated coconut, jaggery, and cardamom powder in a pan. Cook until the mixture thickens and let it cool.
- Make the Dough: Boil water with a pinch of salt. Add rice flour and stir until a dough forms. Let it cool.
- Shape the Modaks: Divide dough into small balls, flatten each, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and fold into a modak shape.
- Steam: Steam for about 15-20 minutes and serve warm.
Kaju Modak
Description: Made with cashew nuts (kaju), this modak is rich and creamy, offering a delightful texture and taste.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cashew nuts, ground
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 cup jaggery (grated)
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup water
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: Mix ground cashew,nuts, grated coconut, jaggery, and cardamom powder. Cook until thickened and let it cool.
- Make the Dough: Boil water with a pinch of salt. Add rice flour and stir until a dough forms. Let it cool.
- Shape the Modaks: Divide dough into small balls, flatten each, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and fold into a modak shape.
- Steam: Steam for about 15-20 minutes and serve warm.
Dry Fruits Modak
Description: Dry Fruits Modak is a delightful fusion of health and taste, filled with the goodness of mixed nuts, dates, raisins, and grated coconut. This Modak offers a crunchy texture and natural sweetness, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a healthy yet indulgent treat. These Modaks are not only nutritious but also flavorful, with a subtle hint of cardamom that enhances their aroma and taste.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed dry fruits (cashews, almonds, pistachios, walnuts)
- 2 tbsp raisins
- 1/2 cup dates (deseeded and chopped)
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- 1 tbsp ghee
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Stuffing: Dry roast the dry fruits on low flame for 2-3 minutes. Cool and coarsely grind them. In a pan, heat ghee and add grated coconut, chopped dates, and raisins. Sauté for a minute. Add ground dry fruits and cardamom powder. Mix well and set aside.
- Prepare the Dough: Boil 1 cup of water with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of ghee. Add rice flour gradually, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cover and cook on low flame for 2 minutes. Let it cool, then knead into a smooth dough.
- Shape the Modaks: Grease your hands with ghee, take a small portion of dough, and flatten it into a small disc. Place a spoonful of stuffing in the center, close the edges, and shape it into a Modak.
- Steam: Steam for about 15-20 minutes and serve warm.
Stuffed Mawa Modak
Description: Stuffed Mawa Modak is a rich and decadent treat that brings a delicious twist to the traditional Modak. Made with soft, creamy khoya (mawa) and filled with a delightful mixture of chopped dry fruits, sugar, and aromatic cardamom, these Modaks offer a melt-in-the-mouth experience that is hard to resist. The outer layer, crafted from pure mawa, provides a smooth and velvety texture, while the inner stuffing adds a crunchy, nutty surprise with every bite.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup khoya (mawa)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup dry fruits (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- 1 tbsp ghee
Instructions:
- Prepare the Stuffing: In a pan, heat ghee, add khoya, and sauté until it turns golden brown. Add powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and chopped dry fruits. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes. Let it cool down and shape the mixture into small balls.
- Shape the Modaks: Use a Modak mold, grease it, and stuff the khoya balls into it. Press gently to shape. Remove from mold and serve.
Stuffed Liquid Punch Modak
Description: Stuffed Liquid Punch Modak is a modern and innovative twist on the traditional Modak, designed to surprise and delight with every bite. This unique variation features a soft, chewy outer shell made from rice flour, filled with a burst of flavorful liquid such as mango pulp, chocolate syrup, or fresh fruit juice. The liquid center adds an unexpected element, making each Modak a refreshing treat that melts in your mouth.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup water
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp ghee
- 1/2 cup liquid filling (such as mango pulp, chocolate syrup, or fruit juice)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: Boil water with salt and ghee, add rice flour, and cook until dough-like consistency is achieved. Let it cool, then knead into a smooth dough.
- Shape the Modaks: Grease your hands with ghee, make a small ball of dough, and flatten it into a disc. Carefully pour a teaspoon of liquid filling in the center, close the edges, and shape it into a Modak.
- Steam: Steam for about 8-10 minutes and serve warm.
Til Modak (Sesame Modak)
Description: Til Modak (Sesame Modak) is a wholesome and traditional sweet that beautifully combines the nutty flavor of sesame seeds with the natural sweetness of jaggery. Made by roasting sesame seeds to a golden perfection. Rich in nutrients like iron and calcium, Til Modak is not just delicious but also a healthy treat.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sesame seeds (til)
- 1/2 cup grated jaggery
- 1 tbsp ghee
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mixture: Dry roast sesame seeds until golden brown. Cool and coarsely grind them. In a pan, heat ghee and add jaggery. Stir continuously until it melts. Add roasted sesame seeds and cardamom powder. Mix well and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Shape the Modaks: Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then shape it into small Modaks using your hands or a mold. Serve once they set.
Mango Modak
Description: Mango Modak is a delightful fusion of tropical flavors and traditional charm, perfect for those who love the sweet, juicy taste of mangoes. Each bite captures the essence of ripe mangoes, balanced by the richness of coconut and khoya, offering a refreshing twist on the classic Modak.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mango pulp
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 cup khoya (mawa)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- 1 tbsp ghee
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mixture: Heat ghee in a pan, add mango pulp, and cook until it reduces slightly. Add grated coconut, khoya, and sugar. Mix well and cook until the mixture thickens. Add cardamom powder, mix, and let it cool.
- Shape the Modaks: Use a Modak mold to shape the mixture into Modaks. Let them cool completely before serving.
So which modak are you making today? 🙂
