3 Types of Modak Recipe To Make At Home

Searching for the perfect modak recipe to delight Lord Ganesha during the upcoming festivities starting Tuesday, 26th August, 2025? You’re probably wondering how to create those Instagram-worthy modaks that taste as divine as they look. The pressure of making traditional sweets can feel overwhelming, especially when you want everything perfect for Bappa’s arrival.

Don’t stress about sourcing ingredients or perfecting techniques – this guide simplifies three beloved modak recipe variations perfectly. Milkbasket ensures you have all fresh ingredients delivered silently by 7 AM for your cooking preparations. 

From classic steamed versions to innovative chocolate twists, you’ll master these traditional sweets with confidence and joy.

1. Traditional Mawa Modak Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the mawa modak:

• 2 cups fresh mawa (khoya), crumbled
• ½ cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 2 tablespoons chopped mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios)
• A pinch of saffron soaked in 1 tablespoon warm milk

For garnishing:

• Silver varq (optional)
• Chopped pistachios for decoration

Milkbasket‘s fresh mawa and premium ghee like Amul Pure Ghee or Organic India Organic Desi Cow Ghee, ensure your modaks taste restaurant-quality while maintaining traditional authenticity.

Preparing the mawa mixture:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over low heat
2. Add crumbled mawa and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously
3. Add powdered sugar and mix well until completely dissolved
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes until mixture starts leaving the pan sides
5. Add cardamom powder and saffron milk, mix thoroughly
6. Fold in chopped nuts and remaining ghee for richness
7. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until mixture becomes moldable
8. Remove from heat and let it cool for 15 minutes

Shaping the mawa modaks:

1. Grease your palms lightly with ghee to prevent sticking
2. Take small portions of cooled mawa mixture in your palm
3. Roll into smooth balls first, then shape into traditional modak form
4. Press gently to create the characteristic ridged pattern
5. Place shaped modaks on a greased plate

Final touches:

1. Refrigerate modaks for 30 minutes to set properly
2. Garnish with silver varq or chopped pistachios before serving
3. These modaks are ready to offer immediately – no steaming required!
4. Store in refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for best taste

2. Fried Modak Recipe (Tala Hua Modak)

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the outer covering:

• 1 cup refined flour (maida)
• 2 tablespoons semolina (rava)
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• ¼ cup water (approximately)
• Pinch of salt
• Oil for deep frying

For filling: Use the same coconut-jaggery filling from recipe 1 above.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Making the covering dough:

1. Mix refined flour, semolina, and salt in a bowl
2. Add ghee and rub into flour until mixture resembles breadcrumbs
3. Gradually add water and knead into firm, smooth dough
4. Cover and rest for 30 minutes (this makes rolling easier)

Assembly and frying:

1. Divide dough into small equal portions
2. Roll each portion into thin circles (3-4 inches diameter)
3. Place 1 teaspoon filling in center of each circle
4. Seal edges properly, ensuring no air pockets remain
5. Heat oil to medium temperature (test with small dough piece)
6. Fry modaks in batches until golden brown and crispy (4-5 minutes)
7. Drain on absorbent paper immediately

Remember, consistent oil temperature is key – too hot burns outside, too cool makes them oily.

3. Modern Chocolate Modak Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 200g dark chocolate (chopped finely)
• ½ cup condensed milk
• ½ cup desiccated coconut powder
• ¼ cup chopped mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios)
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• Silver varq for garnishing (optional)

Online milk delivery from Milkbasket ensures you get fresh condensed milk for the perfect consistency.

Step-by-Step Preparation

No-cook method:

1. Melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave (30-second intervals, stirring each time)
2. Add condensed milk gradually while the chocolate is still warm
3. Mix in coconut powder until the mixture becomes moldable
4. Fold in chopped nuts and ghee for extra richness
5. If the mixture is too soft, refrigerate for 20 minutes

Shaping and setting:

1. Grease the modak moulds lightly with ghee
2. Press the chocolate mixture firmly into the moulds (no air gaps)
3. Tap moulds gently to remove air bubbles
4. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until completely set
5. Remove carefully from moulds and garnish with varq or nuts

These require no cooking skills but deliver impressive results that look professionally made at home!

🍫 For more traditional modak option, you can read our blog on Traditional Modak Recipes to Sweeten Your Ganesh Chaturthi.

Pro Tips for Perfect Modaks

Always use fresh ingredients and maintain proper dough consistency for the best results in any variation. Grocery shopping delivery from Milkbasket ensures all your ingredients arrive fresh and ready for immediate use. 

Practice the shaping technique beforehand to create uniform, beautiful modaks that look professionally made at home.

Conclusion

These 3 modak recipe variations ensure you can offer diverse, delicious sweets during Ganesha Utsav celebrations beautifully. Whether you prefer traditional steamed, crispy fried, or modern chocolate versions, each brings unique joy. Remember that homemade modaks carry extra love and devotion that Lord Ganesha surely appreciates.

Milkbasket supports your festival cooking with over 10,000+ items, including fresh coconut, premium ghee, and quality chocolate. Download the Milkbasket app, buy groceries online, and modify your cart by midnight for 7 AM delivery.

Our online grocery shopping service ensures you never run out of essential ingredients during festival preparations.

Trust Milkbasket for a reliable delivery groceries service that keeps your kitchen stocked with fresh, quality ingredients always.

FAQ

Can we offer 3 modak to Ganpati?

Yes, offering 3 modaks to Lord Ganesha is perfectly acceptable and considered auspicious. The number three represents completeness in Hindu traditions, and any offering made with devotion pleases Bappa regardless of quantity.

How many types of modak are there?

There are numerous modak varieties, including steamed (ukadiche), fried (tala hua), baked, and modern fusion types like chocolate or dry fruit modaks. Regional variations across Maharashtra and other states offer unique preparation methods and flavoring.

Which modak is best for Ganpati?

Traditional steamed modak (ukadiche modak) is considered most auspicious for Lord Ganesha as it’s the authentic preparation method. However, any modak made with devotion and fresh ingredients is equally blessed and appreciated by Bappa.