Ukadiche Modak

Ukadiche Modak are my absolute favourite things to eat in this universe! The maxim of 'no gain without pain' holds 100% with regards to preparing them. The bliss of eating modaks you have had a hand in preparing is unparalleled. Modaks are Lord Ganesha's favourite eatable, not without reason, and so they are usually made during the Ganapati festival. The bland english name is sweet steamed rice dumplings - nowhere near justice. As with most sinful things, don't bother if you are going to worry about calories.

Amazing ukadiche modak to be eaten with loads of pure desi ghee. The first target is one dozen. Read on for the photo recipe.

Lots of nice fresh coconuts	My messy grating. Don't grate too much, take only the whites
Grate loads of jaggery	Condiments - Nutmeg (Zayphal) powder, Cardamom powder, Saffron, Kismis
Grated jaggery and coconut - ratio 2.5:4	Cook over slow flame till watering and you get consistent final 'saaraN'
Add condiments and this is 'saaraN'. This can be stored for later in a fridge	For the riceflour dough boil 3 units water and 1 unit milk. While boiling add 4 tbsp oil.
The real thing, riceflour. Sakas's Modak special works very well :)	Add in 4 units riceflour and a bit of salt to the boiling water+milk+oil. Do NOT stir. Poke holes, cover securely and let it steam in it's own heat. The proportions above and here need to be exact.
Take the above 'ukad' and knead into a dough. The more you break your back and knead, the matter. Crush all globules of course. Do not use too much water. Make flat round puris, add in generous amounts of saaraN, and fold into the traditional shape	The traditional shape. There are moulds available for consistent size and shape. But this is more fun. Keep the edges of the puris thin and consistent
The cooking apparatus. A large vessel 1/3rd filled with water and a thin cloth covering the mouth tied with a string. Start boiling the water while the dough is being made into the raw modaks	Place raw modaks on the cloth, dipping the base in water. Cover with a vessel and steam for 15 minutes
Get out the banana leaf, hope someone else has made a few other items and taste changers :). You will need these to achieve the one dozen modak aim