MODAK

Modak is said to be Lord Ganesh's favorite sweet. Its a steamed rice dumplings. Generally it is prepared on the first day of Ganesha festival. Modak and modak shaped sweets are arranged in front of the Ganesha's idol on this festival day.

Ingredients
Rice flour -1 cup
Water - 1 cup
Ghee - 1 tsp
Salt - 1/4 tsp
Sugar - 1 tsp

For filling
Grated coconut -1 cup
Grated jaggery (gur) - 3/4 cup
Cardamom powder - 1/2 tsp
In a non- stick pan put grated coconut and jaggery in low flame, when the jaggery starts melting, put off fire and add cardamom powder.

In another pan boil 1cup water, add ghee, sugar, salt and rice flour. Stir it well, while adding rice flour, otherwise lumps will form. Cover with a lid and keep aside for few minutes. Before making, knead the dough well while it is warm. The dough should'nt be either hard or sticky. Grease your hand with a little water or oil and make a round puri shape. Don't make it too thin. Put 1tsp filling in the center and pinch the edges of the puri (make 6-8 folding) . Bring the folding together at the center top and press to seal. The final shape of the " Modak" should be like a garlic pod.
Steam it for 8-10 minutes. Serve it with ghee.