Searching for a Ganesh Chaturthi modak recipe? Try this delicious chocolate Modak recipe that all will love. Make it in just 15 minutes!
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Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of the elephant-headed God, Ganesha, a symbol of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. This festival 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. 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 faith 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.
Modak is lord Ganesha's favorite
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!
Why make this
- Chocolate, being everyone's favorite makes this dessert really appetizing
- This indulgent yet easy modak recipe can be made instantly in 15 minutes
- Uses just 6 main ingredients
- They can be made for any festive occasion/festival in any shape
- Perfect for gifting during the holidays
Ingredients needed 🧾
Mawa or Khoya is available in Indian grocery stores. You can also make it from scratch using milk powder. I shared the recipe video on Instagram.
Cocoa powder or cacao powder can be used. Chocolate chips can also be used instead. Melt them and
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 also use this nuts chopper when making Indian desserts. 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 on Instagram Reels. Even all Indian grocery stores carry it.
How to make it 🔪
- 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.
- Add ghee
- 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.
to a pan once it melts, and add the grated khoya. Cook on a low flame. Khoya will begin to melt.
to avoid lumps from being formed. Give it a good mix. and keep stirring.
- 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.
- Transfer this mixture to 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.
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 💭
Cocoa or cacao powder can be used. Chocolate chips can also be used instead. You can also add natural food colors to make colorful modaks. Ricotta cheese is also a great substitute for khoya in this modak recipe. Use any variety of sugar but not honey or maple syrup. If you don't have modak molds, no problem. You can give them any shape you want.
Recipe FAQs 📖
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 on Instagram.
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.
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
Recipe 📖
Chocolate Modak Recipe With Mawa
Equipment
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
Nutrition
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 🙏🏼
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.
Thanks for Sharing this sweet recipie.
Thank you.
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.
Thanks for reading and liking it 🙂
This was my first time making this and I loved it! Might be one of my new favorite chocolate desserts 🙂
I am so glad to hear that. Thank you
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.
Yes, they are very delicious 🙂 Thank you
These look so cute and tasty! Can't wait to try these, thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much
What a great tradition. I know I would love these as a treat on my Birthday.
Thank you so much
Such a short list of ingredients for such a yummy dessert. Also loved learning more about the history behind modak!
Thank you. Glad the read was insightful. 🙂
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!
Thank you so much
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. 🙂
Yes, swap the ingredients. Thank you
Well, Lord Ganesha surely has a great taste! It looks delicious, and beautiful too. I have to try it!
Thank you so much
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!
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. 🙂
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.
Do give it a try! I have mentioned easy swaps as well in case you don't find any ingredient. 🙂
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.
It absolutely is! Thank you
This was such a quick and easy dessert! My whole family raved about it!
I am so happy to hear that! Thank you
These treats look delicious, I can't wait to try them!
Thank you so much