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Dessert

Steamed Coconut Jaggery Modak

These sweet dumplings feature a delightful filling of fresh coconut and jaggery, encased in a soft, steamed rice flour shell. A traditional Indian sweet, perfect for festivals or a special treat. The combination of textures and flavors is truly satisfying.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
50 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
432 kcal
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Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Steamed Coconut Jaggery Modak

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

outer shell

  • 1.5 cuprice flour
  • 1.5 cupwater
  • 1 tspghee
  • 0.25 tspsalt

filling

  • 1 cupfreshly grated coconut
  • 0.5 cupjaggery, grated
  • 0.5 tspcardamom powder
  • 0.5 tspghee

for greasing

  • 1 tspghee(optional)

Equipment

large plate · steamer · pan · wooden spoon · heavy-bottomed pot

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Prepare the filling: Heat the ghee in a pan over medium heat.

    About 1 min

  2. 2

    Add the freshly grated coconut and grated jaggery to the pan and mix well.

  3. 3

    Cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until the jaggery melts and the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan, about 5-7 minutes.

    About 7 min

    Cook’s note: Avoid overcooking as it can make the filling hard.

  4. 4

    Stir in the cardamom powder and mix well. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

    About 10 min

  5. 5

    Prepare the outer shell: In a heavy-bottomed pot, bring the water, ghee, and salt to a rolling boil.

    About 3 min

  6. 6

    Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and gradually add the rice flour, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps.

    About 2 min

  7. 7

    Mix until all the water is absorbed and a dough forms. Cover the pot and let it rest off the heat for 5 minutes.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: This step helps the rice flour cook through and become pliable.

  8. 8

    Transfer the dough to a large plate or bowl. While still warm, knead the dough thoroughly for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and pliable.

    About 7 min

    Cook’s note: You may need to grease your hands with a little ghee to prevent sticking.

  9. 9

    To form the modak, take a small portion of the dough and flatten it into a small disc (about 3-4 inches in diameter) using your fingers.

    Cook’s note: Keep the remaining dough covered to prevent it from drying out.

  10. 10

    Place a spoonful of the prepared filling in the center of the disc.

  11. 11

    Bring the edges of the dough together, pleating them to form a conical shape, and seal the top to enclose the filling.

    Cook’s note: If using a modak mold, grease it lightly with ghee, press a small amount of dough into each side, add filling, and seal.

  12. 12

    Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.

    About 10 min

  13. 13

    Grease a steamer plate or basket with ghee. Arrange the prepared modak on the plate, ensuring they do not touch each other.

    About 1 min

  14. 14

    Steam the modak for 10-12 minutes over medium-high heat until they appear shiny and firm.

    About 12 min

    Cook’s note: Do not oversteam, as it can make them tough.

  15. 15

    Carefully remove the modak from the steamer and serve warm.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
431.5kcal
Protein
4.4g
Carbs
79.1g
Fat
10.6g
Fibre
3.3g
Sugar
29.8g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover modak in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Gently re-steam for a few minutes until warm or microwave briefly.

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