New Delhi: Ganesh Chaturthi, one of India’s most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals, is incomplete without the mention of modak, the sweet dumpling that has become synonymous with Lord Ganesha. Known as his favourite delicacy, modak holds a sacred place in the rituals and traditions of this festival. Devotees across the country prepare and offer this sweet to the beloved deity, believing that it pleases him and brings prosperity, wisdom, and good fortune to their homes.

Traditionally, the most popular version is the ukadiche modak, a steamed dumpling made with rice flour dough, filled with a mixture of freshly grated coconut and jaggery, and flavoured with cardamom. This soft and delicate treat is especially loved in Maharashtra, where Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with immense grandeur. However, the beauty of modak lies in its versatility. Over the years, different regions and modern kitchens have created unique versions, from crispy fried modaks to innovative chocolate, dry fruit, and even fusion-flavoured ones.

Here are three easy and delectable modak recipes Chef Supreet Ghai, Culinary Director at ibis & ibis Styles India, to try this year and impress Bappa with the best of his favourite snack.

Modak recipes for Lord Ganesha

Coconut Jaggery Steamed Modak (Ukadiche Modak – Maharashtrian Style)

Ingredients:

• Rice flour – 1 cup


• Water – 1¼ cup


• Ghee – 1 tsp


• Fresh grated coconut – 1 cup


• Jaggery – ¾ cup


• Cardamom powder – ½ tsp


• Poppy seeds – 1 tbsp (optional)

Method:

1. Heat ghee and water, add a pinch of salt, then slowly add rice flour. Stir and cover.


2. Knead into a smooth dough while warm.


3. For stuffing: melt jaggery, add coconut, poppy seeds, cardamom, and cook until slightly sticky.


4. Shape the dough into cups, fill with coconut-jaggery mix, fold into modak shape.


5. Steam for 10 minutes.

Chocolate modak

Ingredients:

• Dark/milk chocolate – 200 g


• Marie biscuits (crushed) – 1 cup


• Roasted nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios) – ½ cup


• Condensed milk – 2 tbsp

Method:

1. Melt chocolate in a double boiler.


2. Mix crushed biscuits, nuts, and condensed milk with melted chocolate.


3. Grease the modak moulds with ghee, fill the mixture, press and shape.


4. Refrigerate for 1 hour to set.

Dry Fruit & Dates Modak

Ingredients:

• Dates (seedless) – 1 cup


• Figs – ½ cup


• Almonds – ½ cup


• Walnuts – ½ cup


• Pistachios – ¼ cup


• Ghee – 1 tsp


• Cardamom powder – ½ tsp

Method:

1. Finely chop dates and figs or grind coarsely.


2. Dry roast nuts lightly and crush.


3. Heat ghee, add dates-fig mix, cook till soft.


4. Add nuts and cardamom, mix well.


5. Grease modak molds, press mixture inside, and shape into modaks.

Today, while traditional methods continue to hold their charm, creative adaptations allow everyone—from expert cooks to beginners—to enjoy making this festive sweet. Whether you prefer the authentic steamed version or wish to experiment with contemporary flavours, here is a modak recipe for everyone.