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    Home » Desserts » Modak Recipe With Chocolate and Mawa

    Published: Aug 20, 2021 · Modified: Aug 20, 2021 by Priya * This post may contain affiliate links.

    Modak Recipe With Chocolate and Mawa

    Recipe Print
    a set of hands serving Chocolate Mawa Modak in a plate and text at the bottom left
    Chocolate Mawa Modak closeup and text at the top
    2 image collage of Chocolate Mawa Modak with text in the middle

    Searching for Ganesh Chaturthi recipes? Give this instant chocolate khoya modak recipe a try. This kozhukattai is shaped using a modak mold and can be made in 15 minutes!

    Chocolate Mawa Modak served in a plate

    Table of Contents

    • Ganpati Bappa Morya
    • My memories of this festival
    • Why make this
    • Ingredients needed
    • How to make it
    • Serving suggestions
    • Top recipe tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More festive desserts
    • Chocolate Modak Recipe With Mawa

    Ganpati Bappa Morya

    Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of the elephant-headed God, Ganesha, a symbol of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. 

    It's a festival that spans 10 days and is celebrated with lots of pomp. Pandals(tents) with huge Lord Ganesh idols are erected on almost every street around India.

    My memories of this festival

    Visitors/worshipers from all walks of life come together to get a glimpse of these magnificent idols. The serpentine queues outside every tent speak volumes about the belief people have in this God.

    Growing up, during those 10 days, our parents would take us idol hopping post-dinner along with our gang of building friends.

    Late nights are usually the best time to view all the pandals because the lighting and decorations can be enjoyed to the fullest at night-time plus it's less crowded.

    We would go as a big group (neighbors, friends, and family), stand in long queues, enjoy the prasad and be awestruck looking at the beautiful decorations and wonderfully crafted idols.

    For many years, we also placed a Ganpati idol in our building, right outside our house.

    We used to love taking care of the pandal, distributing prasad, lighting the lamps, singing the aartis (sacred hymns) along with friends and family, and celebrating this festival as a community. 

    This festival holds so many nostalgic and wonderful memories for me! That's why today's recipe is extra special.

    Chocolate Mawa Modak closeup

    Why make this

    Lord Ganesha loves modak (a stuffed sweet dumpling) which is why they are abundantly prepared during this festival, as a ritual. 

    Every year, on this day, my mother would prepare South Indian steamed modaks called kozhukattai. This modak dough is made using rice flour and the stuffing is made with coconut and jaggery.

    While mom made kozhukattai, our Maharashtrian neighbors prepared wheat flour modaks that were deep-fried.

    We got to enjoy both these versions because as neighbors, we would exchange sweets on every festive occasion. 

    While both of them are traditional desserts made on this day, I wanted to make a fusion version of both recipes! 

    • Chocolate, being everyone's favorite makes this dessert really appetizing!
    • This indulgent yet easy modak recipe can be made in 15 minutes using just 4 main ingredients
    • They can be made for any festive occasion/festival in any shape
    • Perfect for gifting during the holidays

    Ingredients needed

    all the ingredients required to make Chocolate Mawa Modak placed on a table with labels on them

    This recipe of modak is pretty straightforward, using 4 basic pantry staples. 

    You will need khoya(mawa), sugar (any variety), ghee, and cocoa powder or cacao powder. Mixed chopped Nuts and saffron can also be used. 

    Apart from these ingredients, you also need a modak mold. I got mine from India, but you can buy a similar modak mold from Amazon or from your local Indian grocery store.

    I use this nuts chopper. It's very easy and convenient to use.

    What is khoya

    Khoya, also known as mawa is basically dried milk. It is prepared by boiling and reducing the milk to a semi-solid state.

    It's sold in different consistencies with different names for preparing different kinds of sweets. You can find it in any Indian grocery store. Read notes for substitutions. 

    You can also use it in savory dishes like Khoya Matar. You can easily make it at home. I have shared the process HERE. Even all Indian grocery stores carry it.

    How to make it

    4 image collage showing how to make chocolate modak
    1. If using store-bought mawa, bring it to room temperature first. Then grate the mawa or make crumbles using your fingers.
      • Add ghee to a pan once it melts, and add the grated khoya. Cook on a low flame. Khoya will begin to melt.
    2. Add sugar to the pan. Continue to saute for 1-2 minutes or till the sugar melts.
    3. Add the chopped nuts along with the saffron strands.
    4. Now add cocoa powder using a sieve to avoid lumps from being formed. Give it a good mix. and keep stirring.
    4 image collage showing the steps to make chocolate modak using a mold
    1. Eventually, the mixture will not stick to the pan anymore and come together like a dough. Do not overcook as then the modaks will turn out dense. Take it off the flame.
    2. Transfer this mixture to a bowl or plate. Allow it to cool down completely. Grease the molds with ghee/butter/oil. 
    3. Stuff each side of the mold with the mixture.
    4. And press it tightly. Remove any excess. Open the mold and carefully remove the modak out of it. 
      • Repeat the steps until you finish making all the modaks. Grease the mold with ghee every time, before stuffing the mixture. 
    a set of hands serving Chocolate Mawa Modak in a plate

    Serving suggestions

    Decorate these mawa modaks on a platter and serve. Chocolate Modak or Kozhukattai can be devoured immediately after offering it as prasadam to Lord Ganesha.

    These chocolate modaks are a delight to eat. They are soft and chewy. The chocolate blends in well with khoya making this kozhukattai irresistible!

    Top recipe tips

    If you don't have modak molds, no problem. You can give them any shape you want. Use any variety of sugar but not honey or maple syrup.

    Cocoa or cacao powder can be used. Chocolate chips can also be used instead. You can also add natural food colors to make colorful sweets.

    Recipe FAQs

    How to make khoya at home?

    Add a tablespoon of ghee and 4 tablespoons of milk to a saucepan. Warm it lightly.

    Then add a cup of milk powder to a bowl. Pour the warm milk into it and knead to a firm dough.

    If it is too sticky, add more milk powder as needed. Store it in the fridge and let it firm up. You can then grate or mash it and use it in recipes that call for mawa.

    I have shared the process HERE. Ricotta cheese is also a great substitute for khoya in this modak recipe. 

    How to make it vegan?

    In a pan, add a tablespoon of cooking oil and almond flour. Saute for 2-3 minutes on medium flame.

    Add almond milk and sugar. Keep stirring till it thickens and forms a mixture that doesn't stick to the pan anymore. 

    Then follow the next steps of this modak recipe. Use the dessert version of vegan ghee as needed.

    How to store it?

    Chocolate modak stays good for a week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

    You can also freeze kozhukattai for a couple of months. Thaw and warm them up in the microwave to serve.

    More festive desserts

    • Malai Kulfi With Gulab Jamun
    • Instant Sweet Paneer Gujiya Shells
    • Carrot Halwa Pistachio Baklava
    • Vegan Coconut Ladoos
    2 platters filled with Chocolate Mawa Modak

    Did you try this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out by leaving a comment below or sharing a picture on Instagram @cookilicious with the hashtag #cookiliciousveg. I love hearing your feedback! 

    Like this recipe? Please show your love by leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating below!

    You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes and what I’m getting up to.

    Chocolate Mawa Modak served in a plate

    Chocolate Modak Recipe With Mawa

    Searching for Ganesh Chaturthi recipes? Give this instant chocolate khoya modak recipe a try. This kozhukattai is shaped using a modak mold and can be made in 15 minutes!
    5 from 15 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Indian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 35 modaks
    Calories: 55.06kcal
    Author: Priya Lakshminarayan

    Equipment

    pan

    Ingredients 

    • 12 oz khoya crumbled
    • 1 tablespoon ghee
    • ½ cup sugar
    • 1 tablespoon chopped nuts optional
    • 10-12 strands saffron optional
    • 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
    • Ghee for greasing the molds

    Instructions

    • If using store-bought mawa, bring it to room temperature first. Then grate the mawa or make crumbles using your fingers.
    • Add ghee to a pan once it melts, add the grated khoya. Cook on a low flame. Khoya will begin to melt.
    • Add sugar to the pan. Continue to saute for 1-2 minutes or till the sugar melts.
    • Add the chopped nuts along with the saffron strands.
    • Now add cocoa powder using a sieve to avoid lumps from being formed. Give it a good mix. and keep stirring.
    • The mixture should not stick to the pan anymore and come together. Do not overcook as then the modaks will turn out dense. Take it off the flame.
    • Transfer this mixture into a bowl or plate. Allow it to cool down completely. Grease the molds with ghee/butter/oil.
    • Stuff each side of the mold with the mixture.
    • And press it tightly. Remove any excess. Open the mold and carefully remove the modak out of it.
    • Repeat the steps until you finish making all the modaks. Grease the mold with ghee every time, before stuffing the mixture.

    Notes

    If you don't have modak molds, no problem. You can give them any shape you want. Use any variety of sugar but not honey or maple syrup.
    Cocoa or cacao powder can be used. Chocolate chips can also be used instead. You can also add natural food colors to make colorful sweets.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2per person | Calories: 55.06kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.47g | Protein: 1.87g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1.79g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.24g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.8g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 3.08mg | Sodium: 26.82mg | Potassium: 10.6mg | Fiber: 0.13g | Sugar: 2.86g | Vitamin A: 45.8IU | Vitamin C: 0.34mg | Calcium: 67.38mg | Iron: 0.08mg
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    Comments

    1. Snehal says

      September 09, 2021 at 12:11 pm

      Looks delicious. If you use Ricotta instead of Khoya, do you still prep it same way? My concern is the liquid that might be released from Ricotta.

      Thank you 🙏🏼

      Reply
      • Priya says

        September 09, 2021 at 5:11 pm

        Thank you. Sure you can try. Add ricotta cheese to the pan and cook it till the water evaporates and it doesn't stick to the pan. Then add the other ingredients. Hope this helps.

        Reply
    2. Samarth Annasaheb Karade says

      March 19, 2021 at 11:27 am

      5 stars
      Thanks for Sharing this sweet recipie.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        March 19, 2021 at 1:05 pm

        Thank you.

        Reply
    3. Michelle says

      August 21, 2020 at 3:16 pm

      5 stars
      These threats look and sound delicious! This is the first time I've heard of them and it's so lovely to learn about them and your traditions. Thank you so much for sharing them, I'll have to try and find some khoya and make them.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 21, 2020 at 5:14 pm

        Thanks for reading and liking it 🙂

        Reply
    4. Emily Liao says

      August 21, 2020 at 2:42 pm

      5 stars
      This was my first time making this and I loved it! Might be one of my new favorite chocolate desserts 🙂

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 21, 2020 at 5:13 pm

        I am so glad to hear that. Thank you

        Reply
    5. Annissa says

      August 21, 2020 at 2:16 pm

      5 stars
      You had me at chocolate! What cute little treats. I appreciate the explanations of the ingredients. I wasn't familiar with them, but now I know what to look for when I go shopping.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 21, 2020 at 5:13 pm

        Yes, they are very delicious 🙂 Thank you

        Reply
    6. Cate says

      August 21, 2020 at 1:57 pm

      These look so cute and tasty! Can't wait to try these, thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 21, 2020 at 5:13 pm

        Thank you so much

        Reply
    7. Andrea Metlika says

      August 18, 2020 at 8:06 pm

      5 stars
      What a great tradition. I know I would love these as a treat on my Birthday.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 19, 2020 at 3:08 pm

        Thank you so much

        Reply
    8. Emily says

      August 18, 2020 at 5:52 pm

      5 stars
      Such a short list of ingredients for such a yummy dessert. Also loved learning more about the history behind modak!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 19, 2020 at 3:07 pm

        Thank you. Glad the read was insightful. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Jeannette says

      August 18, 2020 at 5:41 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! I didn't know what khoya was before this, but learning about it is incredible! This recipe sounds so wonderfully tasty and super easy to make. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 19, 2020 at 3:07 pm

        Thank you so much

        Reply
    10. Jennifer West says

      August 18, 2020 at 3:56 pm

      5 stars
      I love how quick and easy it is to make this! I need to track down a few of the ingredients but may use your suggested alternates. 🙂

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 18, 2020 at 4:09 pm

        Yes, swap the ingredients. Thank you

        Reply
    11. Pris says

      August 18, 2020 at 3:53 pm

      5 stars
      Well, Lord Ganesha surely has a great taste! It looks delicious, and beautiful too. I have to try it!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 18, 2020 at 4:09 pm

        Thank you so much

        Reply
    12. Shelley says

      August 18, 2020 at 12:17 pm

      5 stars
      I learned so much from reading this wonderful post, and really enjoyed your memories of celebrating the Ganesha Chaturthi festival as a child. One of the really great things about being a food blogger is learning from other bloggers about their cultures and food - this post exemplifies that, for sure! I love that this recipe needs just four simple ingredients, but I also liked the idea you suggested of being able to add nuts or saffron. Thank you so much for sharing this!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 18, 2020 at 3:14 pm

        Thank you so much. This is why I enjoy blogging..helps me pen down my memories and and glad people like you enjoy reading them. 🙂

        Reply
    13. Jacque Hastert says

      August 18, 2020 at 11:27 am

      5 stars
      What a fun, easy, and authentic dessert to make! I will have to track down the ingredients and give this recipe a try very soon. Thanks for sharing with us.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 18, 2020 at 11:47 am

        Do give it a try! I have mentioned easy swaps as well in case you don't find any ingredient. 🙂

        Reply
    14. Mirlene says

      August 18, 2020 at 11:25 am

      5 stars
      Ooohhh how decadent! I cannot wait to try these!!! Looks delicious. Will be adding these to my list of desserts to make for the family.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 18, 2020 at 11:47 am

        It absolutely is! Thank you

        Reply
    15. Nicole C Tingwall says

      August 18, 2020 at 11:02 am

      5 stars
      This was such a quick and easy dessert! My whole family raved about it!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 18, 2020 at 11:46 am

        I am so happy to hear that! Thank you

        Reply
    16. Kathryn Donangelo says

      August 18, 2020 at 10:59 am

      5 stars
      These treats look delicious, I can't wait to try them!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 18, 2020 at 11:46 am

        Thank you so much

        Reply

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