Modak Mania: 11 must-try sweet treats to impress Lord Ganesha!

Ganesh Chaturthi, the vibrant festival celebrating Lord Ganesha, is incomplete without offering modaks, his favourite sweet. The tradition of offering modaks comes from a popular story in Hindu mythology. It’s said that once the gods presented a divine modak to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. To decide which of their sons, Ganesha or Kartikeya, should have, they set a challenge. While Kartikeya raced around the world, Ganesha simply circled his parents, declaring them his entire universe. Impressed by his wisdom, Parvati gave him the modak, making it his favourite sweet. Here are ten types of modaks you can try making at home this Ganesh Chaturthi.

1. Ukadiche Modak
The classic Ukadiche Modak is a steamed delight made with rice flour dough filled with sweet coconut and jaggery. This traditional modak, popular in Maharashtra, is soft, fragrant, and usually served with a dollop of ghee.

2. Fried Modak
Fried Modak offers a crispy contrast to the steamed version. The outer shell, made from all-purpose flour, encases the same coconut jaggery filling. The deep-frying process adds a golden-brown crunch, making it a favourite during festive gatherings.

3. Chocolate Modak
For a modern twist, Chocolate Modak is a treat for chocolate lovers. This modak is super versatile, allowing itself to be a base for a fusion of flavours. One can add nuts, dried fruits and even edible flowers, resulting in a rich, decadent flavour.

4. Dry Fruit Modak
Dry Fruit Modak is a nutritious alternative packed with nuts, dates, and figs. This variant is not only delicious but also offers a healthy energy boost, making it ideal for those who prefer less sugary options. It could be specific to one specific dry fruit or just combine all of them together in one!

5. Mawa Modak
Mawa Modak is a rich, creamy sweet made from condensed milk solids and flavoured with cardamom and saffron. These modaks are the epitome of simplicity and a long-lasting sweet aftertaste.

6. Coconut Modak
Coconut Modak, prevalent in the Konkan region, is a simple yet flavorful variant, made entirely from freshly grated coconut, sweetened with sugar and cardamom. The coconut’s natural sweetness and texture make this modak a popular choice in Konkani households. You can follow the same recipe in the video, however, if you shape it in a modak mould, your modaks will be ready in no time!

7. Rava Modak
Rava Modak, as the name suggests, is made from lightly roasted semolina and mixed with ghee, and sugar to make the cover that encases a flavorful nut crunch filling. This modak has a slightly grainy texture and a rich taste, making it a unique option for those looking to try something different.

8. Mango Paneer Modak
The Mango Paneer Modak is a protein-packed variant made with fresh paneer, flavoured with mango. The paneer is sweetened with sugar and flavoured with cardamom, offering a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture, with an unusual combination of mango-flavoured maaza drink. It’s a great option for those who prefer a less sugary but equally delicious treat.

9. Red Velvet Modak
Red Velvet Modak is a contemporary variant inspired by the popular red velvet cake. This modak is made with cream cheese and cocoa powder, giving it a distinctive red hue and a rich, tangy-sweet flavour. It's a perfect fusion of traditional and modern tastes, making it a showstopper in any festive spread.

10. Rasmalai Modak
Rasmalai Modak is a fusion sweet that blends the creamy flavours of rasmalai with the iconic shape of modak. Made with a mawa outer layer and filled with crumbled rasmalai, this festive treat adds a modern twist to traditional celebrations.

This Ganesh Chaturthi, bring variety to your festive table by trying these different types of modaks, that offer a unique taste experience adding to the joy of the celebration.