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
Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
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
Prepare the filling: Heat the ghee in a pan over medium heat.
About 1 min
- 2
Add the freshly grated coconut and grated jaggery to the pan and mix well.
- 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
Stir in the cardamom powder and mix well. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
About 10 min
- 5
Prepare the outer shell: In a heavy-bottomed pot, bring the water, ghee, and salt to a rolling boil.
About 3 min
- 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
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
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
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
Place a spoonful of the prepared filling in the center of the disc.
- 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
Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
About 10 min
- 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
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
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
Store leftover modak in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Gently re-steam for a few minutes until warm or microwave briefly.
More recipes
All recipesdessert
Vegan Calissons d'Aix
These delightful vegan calissons are a traditional French confection, reimagined without animal products. They feature a smooth, chewy almond and candied fruit paste, all topped with a delicate royal icing. Perfect for a sweet treat or a special occasion.
3 hr 188 kcalappetizer
Śledzie w Oleju (Herring in Oil)
Savor the authentic taste of Poland with this classic Śledzie w Oleju, featuring tender, brined herring fillets bathed in aromatic oil with crisp, thinly sliced onions. This simple yet elegant appetizer offers a delightful contrast of briny fish and sharp allium, perfect for a sophisticated starter or a festive gathering. The extended marination ensures every bite is infused with rich, savory flavor.
3 hr 20 minmain course
Soupe à l'Oignon Gratinée
Indulge in this quintessential French Onion Soup, featuring deeply caramelized onions simmered in a rich, savory beef broth. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of sweet, umami, and herbaceous notes, crowned with a golden, bubbly layer of melted Gruyère cheese over toasted baguette. It's a comforting and elegant dish, perfect for a cozy evening.
1 hr 50 min 524 kcalappetizer
Coquilles Saint-Jacques
This classic French appetizer features succulent scallops baked in a creamy white wine sauce, topped with a golden-brown gratin. It's an elegant dish perfect for special occasions or a sophisticated start to any meal.
45 min 391 kcaldessert
Tunisian Yoyo Doughnuts
These Tunisian doughnuts are light, fluffy, and fried to golden perfection, then soaked in a fragrant orange blossom syrup. They offer a delightful balance of sweetness and citrus, perfect for a special treat or dessert.
1 hr 45 min 577 kcaldessert
Sugar-Free Pumpkin Pie
This sugar-free pumpkin pie offers a classic, comforting flavor without added sugar. A creamy, spiced pumpkin filling bakes in a flaky crust, perfect for a guilt-free dessert. It's an ideal choice for those managing sugar intake or simply looking for a healthier alternative.
3 hr 25 min 201 kcaldessert
Güllac
Experience the delicate elegance of Güllac, a traditional Turkish dessert cherished during Ramadan. This ethereal treat features wafer-thin güllaç sheets gently softened in warm, rose-scented milk, layered with crunchy crushed walnuts, and crowned with vibrant pistachios and juicy pomegranate seeds. Its unique texture and subtle sweetness offer a refreshing and light culinary escape.
1 hr 30 min 533 kcal