Filled with a lot of joy and devotion, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated to honour the Elephant God – Lord Ganesha. It is the festival of good food and family gatherings where people come together and honour Lord Ganesha. We at Nature’s Basket, bring to you traditional Ganesh Chaturthi recipes to try this year!
- Steamed Modaks
It is believed that traditional modaks are Lord Ganesha’s favourite food! They are sweet, soft, nutty and extremely flavourful. Modaks look like momos or dumplings except they are sweet! Read ahead to try these traditional modaks.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh grated coconut
- ½ cup jaggery
- ½ tsp. green cardamom seeds powder
- 1 tbsp. poppy seeds
- 5-6 cashew nuts
- 1 tbsp. raisins
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. ghee
- 1 cup of rice flour
Instructions:
- Heat a medium pan, and add the grated coconut to it
- Now, turn the heat to medium and add in the jaggery. As it gets heated, the jaggery will start to melt
- Keep on stirring and cooking for a couple of minutes until completely melted
- Now, stir in the poppy seeds, cardamom powder, cashews, and raisins
- Mix well and keep cooking till all the moisture is evaporated. The consistency of the mixture should be dry
- Keep aside and let it cool
- Now, for prepping the dough, in a large saucepan add water and a pinch of salt
- Increase the heat and wait for it to boil
- As the water starts boiling, add in the ghee and mix well
- Quickly add the rice flour and stir using a spatula or wooden spoon
- Stir continuously and make sure there are no lumps
- Cover it with a lid and cook it for 2-3 minutes
- Now, remove it on a plate and allow it to cool
- Once it is cool enough to handle, start kneading the dough
- Make sure the dough is smooth and lump-free
- Now, make balls out of the dough
- With the help of both your thumbs start pressing the edges and turn the ball into a small circle
- Now, continue pressing the circle and form a cup
- Scoop some of the fillings and gather all the edges by pinching it
- Close the top by pinching the dough and forming a stiff point
- Place the modaks in the steamer leaving gaps
- Cover and steam for 10 mins until very shiny
- Finally, serve the delicious modaks to Lord Ganesha
- Kothimbir Vadi
A crispy and spice coriander fritter, Kothimbir Vadi is a savoury favourite devoured by many during the festival of Lord Ganesh. Even though it is made with minimal ingredients, it is packed with flavour. You surely need to give this a try this Ganesh Chaturthi!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coriander leaves
- 2 green chilies
- ½ inch ginger
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup besan
- ¼ cup of rice flour
- Salt to taste
- 1/8 tsp. baking soda
- ½ tsp. red chili powder
- ¼ tsp. turmeric powder
- ½ tsp. coriander powder
Instructions:
- Start by plucking the coriander leaves and discard the stems
- Wash the leaves well by dunking them in water
- Now, spread the washed leaves on the kitchen towel and pat dry the leaves
- Chop the coriander leaves and keep them aside
- Now, in a grinder, combine – ginger, garlic, green chilies, without adding any water and make a coarse paste
- In a medium bowl, mix chopped coriander, besan, rice flour, salt, baking soda, spices – red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder and sesame seeds.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly using your fingers
- Now, add little water in the mixture and knead it until a dough is formed
- Prepare the steamer by adding a glassful or two of water and let it come to a simmer
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and roll into 6-inch cylinder logs
- Now, steam these for about 17-18 minutes
- To check if they are done insert a knife or a toothpick in the center and if it comes out clean, they are ready!
- Remove it from the steamer, and allow it to cool to touch, then slice into half-inch thick slices
- Deep fry or shallow fry them in oil till they are light golden brown and crispy from all sides
- Serve hot!
Prepare these delicious traditional delicacies at home this Ganesh Chaturthi.
Want to prepare more such traditional recipes? Check out Easy Diwali Recipes That You Need To Try!