Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Healthy Benefits of Ukadiche Modak; Learn how to make this sweet at home – News18

Ganesh Chaturthi, an important Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, is fast approaching. During this 10-day festival, devotees present sweets and savory delicacies to the deity, with Modak being a beloved treat believed to be favored by Lord Ganesha. The most popular type of Modak during this festive season is the steamed version known as Ukadiche Modak, which is not only delicious but also offers health benefits. Let’s delve into the benefits they offer and how you can make them at home.

READ ALSO: Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Date, History, Meaning, Rituals, Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, Vrat Katha and more

Ukadiche Modak Benefits

1. Increases iron levels
   Ukadiche Modak can increase your iron levels and help maintain hemoglobin levels due to the presence of jaggery. Iron intake is essential to prevent anemia.
2. Lowers blood pressure
   Ukadiche Modak contains coconut, which is known to have several heart-healthy properties. The coconut used in Ukadiche Modak contains sterols that are known to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and improve HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Additionally, the medium-chain triglycerides in coconut contribute to maintaining heart health.
3. Improves bowel movements
   Ghee, another ingredient in Ukadiche Modak, may be beneficial for the health of your gastrointestinal tract. It helps repair the intestinal wall and supports the elimination of toxins, promoting regular bowel movements. This can be especially helpful for people who suffer from constipation.
4. Increases immunity
   Jaggery, an important part of Ukadiche Modak, is packed with essential nutrients. It is rich in saturated fats, vitamins and minerals, all of which can contribute to a robust immune system.
5. Healthy during pregnancy
   For expectant mothers, Ukadiche Modak can be a nutritious choice. These sweet dumplings consist of a good amount of iron, magnesium and healthy fats. During pregnancy, magnesium supports muscle and nerve function, while iron helps prevent anemia.

How to make Ukadiche Modak?

Ingredients:

For the outer Modak cladding:

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1 ½ cups of water
• 1 teaspoon ghee (clarified butter)
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup freshly grated coconut
• 1 cup grated cane sugar (unrefined cane sugar)
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg powder
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon ghee

Method:

For the filling:

Step 1: Heat the ghee in a pan and add poppy seeds.

Step 2: Gradually add grated coconut and jaggery. Mix well and cook on low heat for 7 to 9 minutes until the liquid from the jaggery dries up.

Step 3: Turn off the heat and add cardamom powder and grated nutmeg.

Step 4: Let the filling cool and then set it aside.

Making rice flour dough:

Step 1: Add water, ghee, oil and salt to the pan and boil it.

Step 2: Now gradually add the rice flour over low heat, stirring constantly. Make sure all the rice flour is well mixed with the water.

Step 3: Turn off the heat, cover and keep it for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Take the dough onto a large plate and knead it until it becomes smooth. If the dough seems hard or dry, add a little warm water and continue kneading.

Step 5: Make small balls from the dough and roll them in your palms until smooth.

Step 6: Now create a round shape by flattening the dough balls with your fingers. You can apply ghee or oil on your palms while flattening them.

Step 7: Add the coconut and jaggery filling in the center of the flattened dough.

Step 8: Bring all the edges of the dough together and join them to enclose the filling. Remove any excess dough from the top and shape the top part of the modak with your fingers.

Step 9: Grease a steamer with a little ghee or oil and place the shaped modak, leaving some space in between.

Step 10: Make sure the water is hot while placing the modak in the steamer. Cover the pan and let it steam over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 11: Once it is steamed, sprinkle a little saffron milk on it and your Ukadiche Modak is now ready to be served.