Ukadiche Modak

Ukadiche Modak
         sweet dumplings

The favorite dish/dessert/sweet of Lord Ganapati. Generally made on Ganesh Chaturthi or Sankashtee.

Ingredients

For the cover
1 cup rice flour
1 cup water
1 tsp oil
a pinch of salt

For the stuffing
1 cup freshly  grated coconut
1/2 cup grated jaggery
1/2 tsp cardamom powder/nutmeg powder
1/2 dry roasted sesame seeds/poppy seeds (optional)

Method

• Mix grated coconut with jaggery in a pan and stir on medium flame. When jaggery dissolves and mixed well with coconut, take of the heat. Add cardamom powder/nutmeg powder.
• Let it cool.
• Boil water with salt and oil in it.
• Lower the flame and add rice flour. Stir well with back of the spoon or knife.
• Cover with lid for a minute.
• Take off the heat. Let it remain covered for 2-3 minutes.
• Transfer the contents in a shallow plate/paraat. Knead the dough when warm.
• Dip your palm in water if necessary( if the dough is hot & sticking to your palm.)
• At the end apply a drop of oil on your palm and make medium size smooth balls out of it.
• Make a deep katori/bowl out of each ball ( taking one at a tome)
• Fill the stuffing with a spoon. Try to pinch  plates (with a thumb,index and middle finger)to see  the video 'how to do it' click here
• Close the ball by enclosing all the plates together.
• Do the same procedure with all balls.
• Place all Modaks/dumplings in a colander or container on a sheet of banana leaf or a leaf of turmeric.
• Steam Modaks in a steamer or pressure cooker ( without whistle)for 10-12 minutes.
• Let them cool.
• Serve with  sajuk tup/clarified butter.

Note
Banana or turmeric leaf is not available every time ,everywhere so you can use thin plastic sheet or cling film (purpose is to provide non-stick base for the modaks while steaming.)