175) MODAK

MODAK

SWEET INDIAN RICE DUMPLINGS

Ingredients:

     1)    Roasted rice powder – 500 ml.

     2)    Salt – ½ teaspoon

     3)    Water – 500 ml.

     4)    Coconut oil – 2 teaspoons

     5)    Choorne of one large coconut (see my previous recipe)

To Make:

          Set a wide wok on high heat. Pour in the water and the coconut oil. Tip in the salt. As soon as it comes to a boil, tip in the rice powder. Stir well with a flat ladle. Cover with a clean lid and switch off the heat.

          After 30 minutes, open the lid carefully, dribbling the condensed steam from the lid onto the dough. Knead the dough nicely and make lime sized balls.

          Flatten a ball into a thin patty with your fingers. If the dough sticks to your fingers, grease them with a little coconut oil or dust a bit of flour.

Put a teaspoonful of choorne in the middle of the patty.

          Gather the edges together and press to make a ball shaped somewhat like a garlic pod or in any other shape of your choice. Steam for 10 minutes and serve either hot or cold. Children and adults alike love modak.

Notes:

     1)    If a steamer is not available, use a wok with 1½ inches of water. Place a perforated plate or a flat bottom colander tightly above the water line. Arrange the modaks on the plate or on the colander and cover with a lid. The heat of the steam is quite enough to cook the rice jacket.

     2)    Traditionally, modak is prepared and offered to Ganapathi, the elephant God of the Hindus who is considered to be the destroyer of obstacles and the harbinger of auspiciousness. Modak is the favorite food of Ganapathi.

     3)    If you wish to make your own rice powder, see my putte recipe.

     4)    I have given the measure of rice powder not in grams but in millilitres because both the rice powder as well as the water needs to be of equal volume to get the right consistency. However, if the rice powder is too wet, you can dust a bit more powder and if it is too dry, you can sprinkle a few drops of water.

     5)    If you are buying roasted rice powder from the market, it is better to buy pathiri podi rather than putte podi.