Modak for “Modakapriya” ~ “Ganapa”.
A small story behind why Ganapati is offered 21 Modaks:
People celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with great enthusiasm in the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and many others. Modaks are specially served as Bhog/Prasad during Ganesh Chaturthi because they are Lord Ganesha’s favorite. Ritual dictates that 21 Modaks are to be served to Lord Ganesha. A lot of people are unenlightened about the story behind the 21 Modaks offered to Lord Ganesha.
So it all started when one day Lord Shiva along with Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesh visited Anusuya, the wife of an ancient Rishi Atri. Anusuya presented Ganesha with a tray full of toothsome delicacies, which Ganesha went on devouring, but no dish could satisfy his hunger. He ate everything present on the plate, but nothing was able to satiate his hunger. Some believe that Anusuya said that she would only serve food to Lord Shiva only after satisfying Ganesha’s appetite. During this, she thought of feeding Ganesha something sweet which might fulfill his hunger, and it worked! Ganesha finally gave a loud burp, which indicated that his belly was satisfied. Interestingly enough, Lord Shiva also burped loudly soon after Ganesha’s burp, and that too 21 times, which meant Lord Shiva’s stomach was also full. It made Goddess Parvati curious as to what was the sweet treat that Anusuya offered Lord Ganesha.
Parvati asked Anusuya about the sweet she had offered Ganesha. To which Anusuya replied that it was Modak that satisfied Ganesha’s hunger. From that instance, Parvati expressed it as her wish that devotees of Ganesha will always offer 21 Modaks to him.
Although, there are 2 versions of Modak that are traditionally made. Steamed Modak and Fried Modak. Where steamed Modaks are made with rice flour, ghee, coconut, and sugar/jaggery. Here we have a detailed recipe for Fried Modak: These modaks are a must-have during Ganesh Chaturthi.
Fried Modak | Narla Modak | Ganapati Modak
Ingredients
Ingredients For Stuffing:
- Grated Coconut- 2 cup
- Jaggery- 1 cup
- Chopped Dry fruits (Almonds & Cashews)
- Poppy Seeds- 1 Tbsp OR Sesame seeds- 1 Tbsp
- Cardamom Powder
- Ghee- 2 Tbsp
To Make Dough:
- 1 cup Wheat Flour
- 1 cup All-purpose Flour
- Salt to taste
- Ghee- 2 Tbsp
- Water
Instructions
To prepare Filling/Stuffing:
1. Take a heavy-bottom pan, add 2 spoons of ghee, add poppy seeds, cashew nuts, almonds & roast them lightly.
2. Then add grated coconut & roast it lightly for 4-5 minutes. 
3. Now add jaggery, mix well till the jaggery melts completely, and continue cooking for 4-5 minutes or until it becomes a little dry. 
4. Then add cardamom powder, nutmeg powder and mix well. Switch off the flame and let the mixture cool. 
To make the dough:
1. In a bowl, add wheat flour, All Purpose Flour/Maida & Salt, and Mix. 
2. Add the hot ghee to the flour mixture and stir with a spoon. 
3. Add water little by little to the flour mixture & make a soft dough. 
4. Meanwhile, take a frying pan and add oil for heating.
5. Take small portions of the dough and start rolling into small puris. 
6. Fill each puri with the coconut mixture.
7. Pinch the edges of the puri, bring it together & seal properly so that no oil goes in while frying. Apply a drop of water while sealing the Modaks. Similarly, make all the Modaks.
8. Fry the Modaks till golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Yield
21Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 143Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 6mgSodium 54mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 1gSugar 13gProtein 2g
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