Modak or Modakam is an Indian sweet dumpling dish popular in many Indian states and cultures. According to Hindu beliefs, it is considered one of the favorite dishes of Lord Ganesha and is ,therefore, used in prayers as an offering to Lord Ganesha.

Air Fry Modak

Air Fry Modak

Recipe by Mudita BhageriaCourse: DessertCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

make 15

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes

Modak or Modakam is an Indian sweet dumpling dish popular in many Indian states and cultures. According to Hindu beliefs, it is considered one of the favorite dishes of Lord Ganesha and is ,therefore, used in prayers as an offering to Lord Ganesha.
There are two distinct varieties of Modakam, fried and steamed. I tried a third variety and baked the modaks and it came out very well. This way, we can avoid frying it and get a similar taste.
Try out this delicious recipe.

Ingredients

  • Dough

  • 2 cup all purpose flour

  • ¼ cup ghee or butter

  • ½ tsp salt

  • Cold water for dough

  • Stuffing

  • 1 cup khoya – roasted

  • ½ tsp cardamom powder

  • 2 tbsp dry fruits – finely chopped

  • 2 tbsp dry coconut grated

  • ¾ cup sugar

  • Syrup

  • 1 cup sugar

  • ¾ cup water

  • ½ tsp cardamom powder

  • Saffron

  • Others

  • Melted Ghee for baking

  • Dry fruits for garnish

  • Silver foil for garnish

Directions

  • Add flour, salt and ghee to a bowl and mix. Should feel like crumbled flour.
  • Add water slowly and start kneading to make a hard dough (Will need hard kneading).
  • Apply ghee on the dough surface. Cover with fabric and keep aside for about 20 minutes.
  • In the meantime, mix khoya sugar and dry fruit in a bowl. Mix together very well and keep aside.
  • Take the dough, knead again and divide the dough in 15 equal parts.
  • Roll each dough piece into 3 inches flat.
  • Add about 1 tbsp (can be more) of stuffing. Raise all sides of dough and fuse them at the top or use a mold to shape modak.
  • Make all modak in the same manner. Keep aside.
  • Syrup
  • Add water and sugar to a frying pan and put on slow heat.
  • Keep stirring for about 3 minutes till you see 1 thread (take a bit of syrup on plate and place between two fingers, If you see 1 thread on separating the fingers, that means syrup is ready).
  • Add saffron and cardamom powder. Keep stirring. Keep aside and keep warm.
  • Preheat the air fryer at 375 F (200C). Apply ghee on modak with a brush.
  • Put modaks in the air fryer (do not crowd). Bake for 10 minutes.
  • Turn modaks and bake for about 10 more minutes or till it is golden brown. Keep checking to avoid burning.
  • Dip modaks in warm syrup and put on a strainer for about 5 minutes.
  • Garnish with silver foil and nuts.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • Keep in an airtight container for about 3 days or in the fridge for about a week.
  • You can fry also , for slow heat.
  • If you like this recipe, please check out similar recipes in https://amzn.to/3PAH9s1. (available on Amazon)