Celebrate Ganesh Utsav with Traditional Ukadiche Modak Recipe

Ganesh Utsav is a vibrant festival celebrated across India, particularly in Maharashtra. A highlight of this celebration is the preparation of *Ukadiche Modak*, a traditional sweet made with rice flour and a coconut-jaggery filling. This article provides a detailed recipe for making these delicious dumplings, perfect for offering to Lord Ganesha during the festivities. With step-by-step instructions and ingredient lists, you can easily create this melt-in-the-mouth treat at home. Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14, 2024, with this delightful recipe!

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 7, 2026, 09:50 IST

Ganesh Utsav: A Festive Celebration

Ganesh Utsav is a vibrant festival celebrated with immense joy throughout India, especially in Maharashtra. During this time, elaborate Ganpati *pandals* are erected, and devotees joyfully welcome 'Bappa' into their homes, accompanied by the lively beats of drums and music. Offerings of various delicacies are made, with *Modaks* being a favorite of Lord Ganesha; hence, no offering is complete without them. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on September 14, 2024. On this auspicious occasion, consider preparing the traditional *Ukadiche Modak*.

What are Ukadiche Modak?

*Ukadiche Modak* are a traditional delicacy from Maharashtra, specifically prepared during Ganpati celebrations. These sweet dumplings consist of a rice flour outer layer filled with a mixture of coconut and jaggery, offering a delightful melt-in-the-mouth experience. Here’s how to make them.

Ingredients for Ukadiche Modak

**Filling Ingredients:**
1 tbsp ghee, ½ tbsp poppy seeds, 5-6 cashews (chopped), 5-6 almonds (chopped), 3 cups grated coconut, a pinch of salt, 1½ cups jaggery, ¼ tsp nutmeg powder, 1 tsp cardamom powder.

**Dough Ingredients:**
1½ cups water, ½ cup milk, a pinch of salt, 1 tbsp ghee, 1 tbsp sago flour (*sabudana atta*), 2 cups fine rice flour, 1 tbsp ghee.

**Additional Ingredients:**
A pinch of saffron (soaked in milk), silver leaf (*chandi ka vark*).

Preparation of the Filling

**Filling Method:**
Begin by heating ghee in a pan and lightly roasting the poppy seeds, cashews, and almonds. Next, add the grated coconut and sauté for about 4-5 minutes.

Incorporate the jaggery and mix thoroughly, cooking until it completely melts. Continue to cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Finally, add the cardamom and nutmeg powders, mix well, and allow the mixture to cool.

Dough Preparation

**Dough Method:**
In a separate pan, heat water and milk together. Add salt and ghee, then gradually mix in the sago flour and rice flour, ensuring everything is well combined. Cover and cook on low heat for 5 minutes. Once done, remove from heat, add a bit of ghee, and knead to form a soft dough.

Making Ukadiche Modak

**Modak Assembly:**
Divide the dough into lemon-sized balls, dust them with rice flour, and roll them into small *puris* (discs) using a rolling pin.

Place a portion of the coconut filling in the center of each *puri*, ensuring there’s space along the edges for sealing.

Using your fingers, create small pleats along the edges and bring them together at the top to securely seal the *modak*. Repeat this process for all the *modaks* and arrange them on a plate. Top each *modak* with a small amount of milk-soaked saffron. Finally, steam them thoroughly in a steamer.

Enjoy Your Festive Treat

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