Bappa's favourite treat: Explore the modern and traditional avatars of modak

Modak holds a special place in the hearts of Mumbaikars This delectable treat is not only a culinary delight but also a symbol of profound love and devotion for Bappa Itrsquos believed to be Lord Ganeshas favourite indulgence and its association with the deity makes it an indispensable offering during the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrationsThe word lsquomodakrsquo is derived from the Sanskrit word Mod which implies happiness Therefore modak serves as an extension of the joy and prosperity that Lord Ganesha is believed to shower upon his disciples Mythology reveals that Lord Ganesha was offered modak by his mother Goddess Parvati as a special treat Impressed by the taste he declared it his favourite treatIn Mumbai the culinary landscape constantly evolves and chefs are not only preserving the traditional flavours of modak but also infusing innovative twists into this timeless dessert From classic steamed rice flour modak stuffed with coconut and jaggery to contemporary interpretations featuring flavours like chocolate mango and even savoury versions with ingredients like cheese and herbs theres a modak to cater to every palateThese modern avatars of modak not only pay homage to tradition but also reflect the citys dynamic and multicultural culinary spirit Consequently Ganesh Chaturthi becomes a delightful blend of tradition and innovation which attracts locals and tourists as well Midday combed through Mumbai leaving no stone unturned in its search for traditional and innovative Modak varieties Herersquos a roundup of Mumbairsquos modak maniaHealthful delightsLord Ganeshas favourite modak reminds us that lifes sweetness is found in simple thingsrdquo shares Chef Lalit Chunara from Blabber Juhu This Ganesh festival his housemade modaks are a rendition of freshly grated coconut and jaggery with a soft shell that is made from rice or wheat flour There is no artificial colour or processed food used informs the chefIt contains ghee which helps in rebuilding the intestinal lining and elimination of toxins ldquoThe coconut we add in ukadiche modak contains sterol which helps to reduce lowdensity lipoprotein LDL cholesterol and improves highdensity lipoprotein HDL cholesterol hence have health benefitsrdquo shares ChunaraWhatrsquos on the menuDate and figs modakA variation of steamed modak moulded with ghee with a filling of dates figs chopped and nutsCoconut and apricot modakModak steamed and stuffed with freshly grated coconut and apricots finished with a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the flavourMava and biscoff modakModak enriched with dense mawa and biscoff fillingsWhere Blabber Juhu Stanza Living Monterrey 46 Gulmohar Rd near CritiCare Hospital Juhu SchemePrice Rs 400 onwardsOrder on ZomatoFusion of flavoursThis assorted modak box features a trio of flavours rose kesar and chocolate This festive menu offers a delightful blend of traditional and modern tastes Each modak is thoughtfully crafted to ensure a harmonious balance of flavours making it an appealing choice for those seeking a diverse modak experienceThese modaks are not just a treat for the palate but also serve as a visual delight making them an aesthetic addition to festive celebrationsWhatrsquos on the menuRose modakChocolate modakKesar modakWhere The Coco Butter Lower ParelPrice Box of 9 modaks Rs 400Box of 6 modaks Rs 340Call 91370 19622Vegan treatsMumbai chefs are known for their creativity and during Ganesh Chaturthi they experiment with various fillings and presentations Yogisattvas limitededition sweets are a wholesome delight crafted from organic ingredients such as coconut almond butter coconut milk flour a medley of spices and unrefined coconut sugarThese modaks are a testament to healthconscious indulgence as they are not only vegan but also glutenfree devoid of refined sugar and entirely plantbased The delectable range comprises three tantalising variationsWhatrsquos on the menuVegan coconut jaggery modakVegan besan modakVegan rose besan modakPrice Rs 800 onwardsWhere Yogisattva 7th Floor Pinnacle House 15th Road BandraCall 9867455009 Zomato and SwiggyModak ExtravaganzaThere is something in store for those in Pune Head to Conrad Pune for an exquisite setting where tradition meets culinary artistry with a curated assortment of traditional modaks Crafted from a blend of pure ghee coconut jaggery cashews raisins flour and cardamom powder the inner filling of a modak is meticulously prepared to strike the optimum balance of sweetness and flavour If you like the oozy fillings this is your cornerWhatrsquos on the menuCoconut jaggery modakKesar modakOG modakWhere Pune Sugar Box Conrad PuneWhen September 19 ndash 29Call 02067456745 or 91 9168603850Modak MedleyThe Modak Medley Box of 18 available at the Bombay Sweet Shop offers a delightful assortment of modaks that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences Each modak is thoughtfully crafted with a blend of ingredients including nuts gluten besan soy dairy and coconut ensuring a rich and diverse flavour profileEach modak is carefully handcrafted to ensure an exquisite and preservativefree treat It serves as an ideal choice for those looking to savour the essence of Indian sweets during special occasions and festive celebrations The box includes three distinct varietiesCoconut Khubani ModakThis modak encapsulates the essence of coconut and khubani apricots creating a harmonious blend of sweet and nutty flavoursPuran Poli ModakFor those who appreciate tradition the Puran Poli Modak combines the classic flavours of puran poli offering a nostalgic and comforting tasteChocolate Fudge ModakA modern twist on the traditional modak the Chocolate Fudge Modak boasts a rich and indulgent chocolatey centre perfect for those with a sweet toothWhere Bombay Sweet Shop JAK Compound Lane Byculla EastPrice Rs 1300 per box onwardsOrder bombay sweetshopcomCall 9136192636Modak the authentic wayldquoModak is a highly revered festive dish and we like to keep it authenticrdquo said Laxmi Kesarkar in a telephonic conversation Well in advance of the festive season Kesarkar and Namrata Pawaskar longtime friends hailing from Dadar are in high demand for their signature ukadiche modak and puranpolis If you happen to be fortunate they might accommodate a lastminute requestLaxmi Kesarkar and Namrata Pawaskar DadarPrice Rs 35 onwards per pieceCall 9322844376 or 8652145490Whip up a modak at homeIngredientsWater 220 gmSalt 12 tspGhee 1 tspNachni flour 200 gmFresh coconut grated 250 gmCoconut sugar 100 gmCardamom powder 1 gmDried rose petals 1 gmMethodBring the water salt and ghee up to a boilOnce boiling add in the nachni flour and cook for a minute while stirring with a wooden spatulaWhen the flour absorbs all the liquid cover it with a lid and leave it off the heat for five minutesThis allows the flour to hydrate fullyNow knead it into a ball and continue kneading for five minutes until smooth Add a little water if needed but sparinglyFor the stuffing deseed 10 green cardamom pods and crush the seeds in a mortar and pestleToast the dried rose petals and grind it into a powderHeat the coconut sugar until it meltsOnce melted add in the grated coconut and spices Mix thoroughly to prepare the batterMake small modak pods and fill them with the batterPlace in a steamer at low flame for 10 minutesMoist and supple modak is ready to be servedRecipe by Chef Rahul Punjabi Masala LibraryMava and Biscoff ModakIngredientsModak flour 1 cupBlue pea water 1 cupSesame oil 1 tbspPinch saltMava 1 cupCrushed biscoff cookies 1 cupCardamom powder 10 gmBiscoff spreadMethodBoil blue pea water in a vesselAdd flour to it and stir it till it mixes thoroughly Switch off the gasCover the above mixture for five minutesTake out that dough and knead it for five minutes until it gets smoothNow cook mava and biscoff cookies together at a low flameAdd cardamom powder and biscoff spread to the mixtureThen fill the mixture with rice coatingPlace in a steamer at low temperature for 8 to 10 minutesOnce the modak is steamed brush with desi ghee and serveRecipe by Chef Lalit Chunara Blabber Juhu