Chocolate Khoya Modak for the Modakpriya, Lord Ganesh!!
Happy Ganesh to all of you! May Vignaharata remove all obstacles from your path! May all your dreams come true!
Today the day when Ganesh is worshipped with a lot of fervour, enthusiasm, pomp and ceremony. Especially true in the Maharashtra, Konkan and in Southern India.
Ganesh as he also known has a very different appearance from the regular Hindu Gods he has an Elephant Head. There are a lot of images that depict the symbolism of Ganesh take a look. (Image Courtesy)
In Maharashtra Ganesh is worshipped in the public in huge pandals from the time of Shivaji Maharaj but later it became a private family affair.
Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a famous freedom fighter appealed to the public to celebrate Ganesh as a public event as a revolt the Hindu gatherings through its anti-public assembly legislation in 1892. He was so very successful that Ganesh is celebrated in a similar way in public even now and what more people Pandal Hop to see the Ganesh and the decorations.
At home, the place where Ganesh is to be installed is cleaned and decorated beautifully. The decorations, celebration and worship are mostly influenced by the traditions at home.
The idol is installed and is worshipped, offerings are made to the God with vermilion and turmeric, flowers, tender grass called dura, fruits and modal and karanji are offered. In the end devotional songs and Aarti is done both morning and evening. The idol is installed for 1-1⁄2, 3, 5, 7 or 11 days. After the time period is over the idol is ceremoniously carried out to a water body like a well, lake, river, sea.
The offering made to Ganesh are generally steamed and mild. The food made is no onion, no garlic Satvik food, mild and generally bland. However, modak and karchikai or karanji are is the primary offering.
Ganesh is called by a number of names Ganapathi, Vinayaka Vignaharta…. But because of his love for Modak he is called Modakpriya.
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So what is modak?
A modak (Marathi, मोदक) is a sweet dumpling popular in Maharashtra, India. Modak is common in Marathi, Konkani and Gujarati language.
In Malayalam, Kozhakkatta (കൊഴുക്കട്ട), modhaka or kadubu in Kannada, modhakam or kozhakkattai in Tamil, and kudumu in Telugu.
Quite a few names and why not it’s a yummy tasting dish and very popular.
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What is the filling in a Modak?
Traditionally the filling has been of fresh grated coconut and jaggery. But there are chana dal and jaggery fillings too.
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What is the covering of Modak?
The outer covering is made from rice flour, or wheat flour and maida flour.
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How is modak cooked?
Modak can be steamed or fried.
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Why is modak offered to Ganesh?
There are many stories as to why modak is offered to Ganesh.
The main being that modak was to be given to any of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s sons Lord Kartik and Lord Ganesh. Both the brothers were not willing to share it so Goddess Parvati said that anyone who showed the true meaning of devotion and sincerity will get it.
Lord Kartik left immediately visiting all pilgrimage places but Lord Ganesh went around his parents and said that no amount of offerings or fasting or visiting sacred places is equal to the devotion to one’s father and mother.
Goddess Parvati gave him the modak. This is believed to be the reason for Lord Ganesh’s love for modak.
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Why are 21 modak offered to Lord Ganesh?
Anusuya Sage Atri’s wife was serving the young child Lord Ganesh and hungry Lord Shiva awaited his turn to be served. Ansuya served Ganesh a variety of food but Lord Ganesh was not satiated.
Finally, she served him a sweet and Lord Ganesh after eating it burped 21 times. But the strangest part is that Lord Shiva also burped 21 times at the same time. Both were full and did not want any more food.
Goddess Parvati enquired with Ansuaya and found that the sweet was called modak. It was Goddess Parvati’s wish that Lord Ganesh be offered 21 modak and hence we offer 21 modak to Lord Ganesh.
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So is modak unique to India?
No, of course not in Japan a sweet known as Kangidan (歓喜団) is made and offered to God Kangiten. God Kangiten is the Japanese version of Lord Ganesh (surprised ? I was). God Kangiten is worshipped and offered sake, daikon, and bliss buns or Kangidans. The Kangidans are made from curds, honey, and red bean paste. They are wrapped in kneaded dough made from parched flour and shaped like a bun before they are deep-fried.
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What are the varieties of Modak?
Ukadiche Modak made of Coconuts and Sugar/Jaggery the cover is rice flour or wheat flour.
Fried Modak this modak is deep-fried in oil instead of steaming.
Recent Innovative recipes for modak are Mava Modak, Kesari Modak, Moong Dal Modak, Dark Chocolate Modak, Dry Fruit Modak, Coconut Rose Modak, Paneer Modak, Motichoor Modak, Baklava Modak, Gulkand and Mawa Modak, Chocolate Modak.
I must confess I knew only a few of the above list and have tried only 2 namely ukdiche modak and fried modak. Then Kari Kadubu is also popular in Karnataka.
So let us start making today Chocolate Khoya Modak also Chocolate Mawa Modak.
So let us start making today Chocolate Khoya Modak also Chocolate Mawa Modak.For the Khoya also known as Mawa mine is store brought but you can try making your mawa at home.
Mawa is made by heating milk in an open pan till all the water evaporates. Obviously this takes a lot of time and effort something I avoid totally these days. You need to heat the milk and need to stir it so that it does not burn. The volume you get after heating the milk is so little that I do not bother making it.
You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate or even cocoa to make these Chocolate Khoya Modak. The sugar you need to adjust accordingly.
Also, if do not have the mould to make modak make barfi by spreading the cooked mixture on a greased tray. Chill it then cut in cubes, shapes you want. You can also make small balls and then flatten them as peda. But making the modak is super simple to get the mould from the link I am providing.
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You need not use chocolate only to make this sweet use kesar or saffron, pista, gulkand. Next, I am going to try coffee and make coffee flavoured barfi! Why not I love coffee!
Monday! the day I look forward too, yes I look forward to as my friends and I post in Foodie Monday BlogHop on a theme that we decide. This Monday Mayuri choose a theme #211 Naturally Colourful totally apt for the Festival Of Ganesh, isn't it? Ganesh is something we all celebrate only try and not pollute the environment! My idea was initially to make there Nutella and Oreo Truffles from Mayuri's place but then since it is Ganesh Chathurthi I decided to postpone this later. So watch this space for some delicious food from Mayuri's place.
I have already tried Muthia Ringna Tuvaar nu Shaak In my place where generally recipes are not repeated this Shaak has been made at least 3-4 times. Then there are some more like this Ragi Shavgi Uppitu that are on my radar.
Chocolate Khoya Modak
Equipment
- Non-stick pan
- modak mould
- Spoons and Ladles
Ingredients
- 200 grams khoya
- 40 grams chocolate chopped
- 20 grams sugar powdered
Instructions
- Take a non-stick pan and add the khoya.
- Crumble it up. Mine was the very soft and malleable kind.
- Place the pan on low flame and heat the khoya stirring constantly.
- Once the khoya is well roasted it starts releasing ghee.
- Add the chopped chocolate and stir till all the chocolate is melted.
- Now taste the mixture and add powdered sugar as needed. I used all 20 grams mix well and stir for another half minute or so.
- The mixture will form a lump set it aside to cool.
- Once the mixture cools down us a modak mould to shape the mixture.
- As my mould was too big I tried using the chocolate mould and I am yet to manage to get them out. Guess I should have greased the mould.
Video
Notes
- In place of milk chocolate, you can use dark chocolate, cocoa or even drinking chocolate.
- Use powdered sugar as needed.
Do you like this recipe? Have you tried it? In case you do and whenever you do please tag me on Facebook. My Instagram handle is #themadscientistskitchen. You can also use my Twitter handle, Then you are always welcome at my Pinterest page too. I will love to see you there.
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The Girl Next Door says
I love these pretty, chocolate-ey modaks. Totally my type. 🙂
They look so inviting!
Hope you had a great Ganesh Chaturthi.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Priya.
Poonam Bachhav says
Loved reading your informative articles di ! The chocolate khoya modak look absolutely delectable and irresistible . I make them using homemade khoya, coco piwder and jaggery. Your recipe sounds more easy and fuss free.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Poonam. I will like to try jaggery in mine.
Narmadha says
I want to grab that chocolate modak right away. Too tempting and mouthwatering. Loved reading about ganesh chaturthi.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thank you Narmadha.
Sujata Roy says
Wow Archana modak looks so beautiful and yummy. I can imagine the divine taste. Loved your detailed write up about modak and Ganpati Bappa. Excellent share.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Sujata.
sasmita sahoo says
Use of chocolate instead of cocoa here is the best factor which catches my eyes here first !! So cute n pretty color of these modaks 🙂 Belated PUJA !!!!
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Sasmita.
Preethi Prasad says
Thanks for the detailed write up Archana. These cute Chocolate Modaks looks stunning.No one resist this yummy chocolate Modaks.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Preethi.
Renu says
Chocolate and modak are my favourite too and combining them into one is just wow. I wish I could grab them all.
ArchanaPotdar says
😀 come over.
Bless my food by Payal says
Ganesh chaturthi and modak are inseparable and flavouring it with chocolate will surely make it mouthwatering.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thank you.
Lata Lala says
Making modak is a ritual on the occasion of Ganesha chaturthi here in Mumbai. I learnt the art of folding authentic rice flour modak few years back.
Your chocolate khoya modak is a simple & nice variety to offer to God.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks
Pavani says
Those chocolate modak look adorable Archana. With just 3 ingredients these are perfect to make for ganesh chathruthi.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Pavani.
Rafeeda - The Big Sweet Tooth says
What a rich sweet that is! I am drooling at the sight of it and would have loved to taste it, alas, it is on the other side of the screen... 🙁
ArchanaPotdar says
You can come over on this side of the screen. We can make it and enjoy it together.
Vandana says
Loved this recipe. Modak is one of my favorite Indian desserts and this chocolate khoya version of yours looks even better. Saving it to try soon. Thanks for sharing.
ArchanaPotdar says
Welcome, dear.
Uma Srinivas says
I love modak with coconut and rice. Never had chocolate modak, but this festival i will try for sure. Looks so delcious.
ArchanaPotdar says
😀 Thanks.
Sandhya Nadkarni says
Nice chocolate modak, Archana! I also loved the story about why 21 modak are offered.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Sandhya.
Amrita Roy says
Bappa is coming soon and you have shared a perfect prasadam recipe for the upcoming festival. Love this unique modak recipe
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Amrita.
Padma Veeranki says
Loved reading your informative post! The chocolate khoya modak look absolutely delicious and tempting. Perfect prasadam recipe for the upcoming festival.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Padma.
Lathiya says
The chocolate modak looks so delicious and cute. I'm sure this will be a hit among all ages.
ArchanaPotdar says
thanks, Lathiya.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
My chocolate loving family would completely opt for this chocolate khoya modak for Ganesh ji this year. What a lovely idea to make for guests. And the recipe is very simple as well. Love it Archana!
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Sandhya.
Seema Sriram says
It was quite interesting to read about the ganesha chaturthi celebrations as they vary from place to place. These modaks look so beautiful and if you say chocolate, I am all ears.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Seema.
Jagruti's Cooking Odyssey says
Delicious and divine chocolate khoya modak, the recipe is simple and quick. Perfect for Ganesh Chaturthi.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Jagruti.
Shobha Keshwani says
Delicious chocolate khoya modaks. Nice prasadam for Ganpati Bappa. It is also a very easy recipe with just 3 ingredients. Will definitely try it .
ArchanaPotdar says
Thank you, Shobha.
Seema says
When you move countries core indian sweets disappear from the menu and these lovely ideas replace them. I am so glad you posted this, now this will be on my ganesha chaturthi platter.
ArchanaPotdar says
😀
Mayuri Patel says
Interesting story as to why we have to offer 21 modaks. This chocolate modak is so easy to make and am sure a hit with kids. Tempted to make them for the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi.
ArchanaPotdar says
Do make some Mayuri. They certainly are easy and delicious.
Jayashree T.Rao says
It was good to read stories related to Lord Ganesha. Chocolate Modak looks delicious and a good version for us. My children will be happy with it.
ArchanaPotdar says
True kids all over are the same.
Priya Vj says
Chocolaty modak for ganapati bappa sounds so yo!! I am sure it will be the most loved neivedhiyam by Gannu bappa . How i wish I can grab a few right away !!
ArchanaPotdar says
Come over you can enjoy some.
Kalyani says
chocolate modak looks fabulous both for kids and adults alike, these are super cute and undoubtedly perfect for a variation for naivedyam too !
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks.