Ganesh Chaturthi: 6 healthy modak recipes for guilt-free, sugar-free celebrations

Come Ganesh Chaturthi, and we can’t wait to get our arms on quite a few types of yummy modaks out there out there. Nonetheless, in case you are on the load loss, and even wholesome consuming, wagon, the quantity of sugar in modaks is likely to be supplying you with nightmares. Not any extra! Check out these wholesome modak recipes which are certain to make this Ganesh Chaturthi a guilt-free expertise. In case you are questioning make wholesome modak, then the important thing lies in utilizing wholesome components, including complete grains, nuts and seeds, in addition to consuming these on the proper time of the day. Learn on for some wholesome modak recipes, in addition to tips about make this Ganesh Chaturthi a wholesome expertise for you and your loved ones.

What’s modak?

Modak is an Indian Candy, which has an outer shell made up of rice flour or wheat flour, and a candy filling inside. “Guilt-free modaks typically use more healthy components like pure sweeteners (comparable to stevia or coconut sugar), complete grains, or nut flours. These options can cut back the quantity of refined sugar and unhealthy fat in your weight loss program,” says dietician Kejal Shah. Modaks with date fillings are additionally scrumptious in addition to wholesome. Try this dates modak recipe.

6 recipes of wholesome modaks

Consuming guilt-free Modak throughout Ganpati celebrations is a good way to benefit from the festivities whereas holding your well being targets in thoughts. Check out these wholesome modak recipes.

1. Dry fruit modak

Substances:

6 Figs
8 SeedlessDates
15-16 Almonds
1 tsp Walnuts
3-5 BrazilNuts
2 tbsp Peanuts
5-6 Pistachios
9-10 Cashewnuts
1 tsp Sesame Seeds 1 tsp Chironji
1 tsp Khus Khus
1 tsp Desiccated Coconut 1 Tbsp Ghee
10 Raisins, chopped
5 Apricots, chopped
1 tsp Cardamom Powder

Technique

• Soak the figs and dates in separate bowls for 2 hours every
• Grind the nuts in a grinder
• Warmth the ghee in a pan, put the bottom nuts within the pan, and sauté properly.
• Take one other pan and dry roast the sesame seeds, chironji, khuskhus, and desiccated coconut in it.
• Grind the soaked dates and figs right into a thick paste.
• Warmth ghee in one other pan, put within the paste, sauté properly, and add the chopped raisins, brazil nuts and apricots.
• Add floor fry fruits to the pan and blend properly to infuse them completely with the paste.
• Add the coconut combination and cardamom powder. Combine the components properly with the paste to type a thick combination.
• Form the paste into modak dumplings utilizing both the arms or a modak mould.
  Serve the modaks.

2. Beetroot and Coconut Modak

Substances

1 cup grated coconut
1/2 cup finely grated uncooked beetroot
1/2 cup jaggery, grated
1/4 cup almonds, chopped
1/4 cup raisins
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
1 tbsp ghee

Directions

• Warmth ghee in a pan. Add grated beetroot and cook dinner till it softens. Add grated coconut, jaggery, almonds, and raisins. Prepare dinner till the combination thickens and the jaggery melts.
• Stir in cardamom powder.
• As soon as cooled barely, form into modaks.
• Permit them to chill fully earlier than serving.

3. Baked Modak

Substances

For stuffing
Freshly grated coconut – 2 tbsp Jaggery (gud) – ½ tbsp
Poppy seeds (roasted and coarsely crushed) – 1 tsp cardamom powder – ½ tsp
Nutmeg powder – ¼ tsp For Masking
Rice flour – ½ cup Water- as wanted
Salt – as per style

Instructions

• Combine coconut and jaggery (gud) in a glass dish, microwave coated on excessive energy for two minutes.
• Take away from oven after 2 minutes and blend cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, and roasted poppy seeds in it.
• Take water, and salt in a glass bowl. cowl and microwave on excessive for 1 to 2 minutes until water begins boiling. Combine rice flour in it, spray water on it, cowl and once more microwave on medium energy for two minutes.
• After 2 minutes take away from oven, and knead in processor or by hand to make a clean dough.
• Make equal parts of stuffing and dough. Take one portion of dough, make a spherical ball, gently urgent the centre of the ball utilizing your thumb make a cup of the ball, place one portion of the stuffing in it, and form and shut the modak. Mould all remaining modaks in the identical means.
• In a microwave steamer take 1/4 th cup water. Preserve the mesh in it, dip every modak in water and maintain it in a steamer. Now cowl and microwave on medium energy for five to six minutes. After 2 minutes standing take away from oven. Modak is prepared! Serve scorching with ghee.

Particular tips- Don’t oversteam the modak. It would change into onerous by overcooking.

4. Gulkand and Makhana Modak

Substances:
1 cup makhana (fox nuts)
1/2 cup gulkand
1/4 cup grated coconut
1/4 cup chopped cashews or almonds
1/4 cup finely chopped dates
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
1 tbsp ghee or coconut oil

Directions

• Warmth a pan on medium flame and roast the makhana till they change into crispy.
• Permit them to chill. As soon as cooled, grind them into a rough powder.
• In a mixing bowl, mix the makhana powder, grated coconut, chopped cashews or almonds, chopped dates, and cardamom powder. Combine properly.
• Gently fold within the gulkand. If the combination is just too thick, you’ll be able to add a bit of ghee or coconut oil to assist bind it collectively.
• Evenly grease your arms or use a Modak mould. Take small parts of the combination and form them into modaks. Press firmly to make sure they maintain their form.
• Place the formed modaks on a plate lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate them for about half-hour to an hour to agency up and set.
• Serve the gulkand and makhana modaks as a pleasant deal with. They’re good for festive events or as a particular snack.

5. Wholesome Baklava Modak

Substances:

For the Filling:
1 cup chopped nuts (a mixture of walnuts, almonds, and pistachios)
1/4 cup chopped dried figs or dates (for pure sweetness)
1/4 cup finely chopped darkish chocolate or cocoa nibs (non-compulsory, for a contact of chocolate flavour)
1/2 tsp floor cinnamon
1/2 tsp floor cardamom
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (non-compulsory, for added sweetness)

For the Modak Shell:
12-15 sheets of complete wheat phyllo dough (or store-bought phyllo dough, ideally low in fats and sugar)
2 tbsp melted coconut oil or ghee (for brushing the phyllo dough)
1/4 cup coconut flour or almond flour (to mud between layers)
• For the Mild Syrup:
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp rose water or vanilla extract (non-compulsory)

Directions

• In a bowl, mix the chopped nuts, dried figs or dates, darkish chocolate or cocoa nibs, cinnamon, and cardamom. If you would like further sweetness, add honey or maple syrup and blend properly.
• If utilizing store-bought phyllo dough, thaw it in accordance with package deal directions.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Evenly brush every sheet of phyllo dough with melted coconut oil or ghee and place them on high of one another. Mud a skinny layer of coconut flour or almond flour between every sheet to forestall sticking and add a little bit of texture.
• Utilizing a modak mould or a muffin tin, lower the layered phyllo dough into squares or circles that match the mould. Gently press the layers into the mould to type a shell. Fill with the ready combination.
• Bake within the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or till the phyllo dough is golden and crispy. Control them to keep away from burning.
• Whereas the modaks are baking, put together the sunshine syrup. In a small saucepan, mix water and honey (or maple syrup). Warmth over medium warmth till the syrup thickens barely. Add rose water or vanilla extract.
• As soon as the modaks are out of the oven and nonetheless heat, flippantly brush them with the nice and cozy syrup to offer them a shiny end and added flavour.
• Permit the modaks to chill fully earlier than eradicating them from the mould.
  Get pleasure from your wholesome baklava modaks with a cup of tea or as a festive deal with!

6. Blueberry and Oat Modak

Substances:
• 1 cup recent or frozen blueberries
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup(non-compulsory)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract(non-compulsory)
• 1 tsp chia seeds

Directions:

• Mix blueberries right into a clean puree.
• In a bowl, mix blueberry puree with rolled oats, almond flour, and chopped walnuts. Add honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract if utilizing & add chia seeds.
• Form the combination into modaks utilizing your arms or a mould.
• Refrigerate for half-hour to agency up.

By changing fattening fillings with fruit and nuts, you can also make your modak actually nutritious in addition to wholesome. Be sure to take a look at some wholesome prasad concepts for Ganesh Chaturthi as properly.

What’s the finest time to eat modak?

A wholesome modak will be loved at totally different instances of the day. Nonetheless, they should be teamed up with different wholesome choices.

• Consuming a modak within the morning can present a lift of power and fulfill candy cravings early within the day. Chances are you’ll pair it with a protein supply like Greek yoghurt or a handful of nuts to create a balanced snack, says Shah
• Modaks is usually a good supply of power and vitamins after a exercise, particularly in the event that they include components like nuts, seeds, or fruits. Select a modak recipe that features components like nuts or dates to replenish power and support in restoration, like a dry fruit Modak, recommends Shah.
• A modak is usually a nice choice to curb afternoon cravings and maintain your metabolism lively. Go for a modak with excessive fibre and protein content material to maintain you fuller for longer, says Shah.
• Should you’re craving one thing candy, a modak is usually a more healthy different to different sugary desserts. Select the Blueberry one. Restrict portion measurement to 1 and select modaks made with pure sweeteners and healthful components, says Shah