Stuffed Pineapple Modak

Every year, August marks the beginning of various festivals in India. The vibrance of divinity and love for culture makes everyone to put their best foot forward.

Ganesh Chaturthi marks the arrival of Lord Ganesha into our homes. Traditionally, an idol of the God is brought home and prayed for 1-10 days (depending upon your wish), and then it is immersed in river bidding a beautiful adiue to everyone’s favorite Ganpati!

I started celebrating this amazing festival in my home since last year. So this year I wanted to do something different. I made the Ganesha idol myself with eco friendly clay and and it felt so good.

It is believed that Ganesha’s favorite dessert is ‘Modak’ (sweet stuffed dumpling). There are a variety of flavorful modaks which are offered to the Lord. I love fruit flavors in my desserts. So this year I prepared pineapple modak. The shell is made of Rava(sooji) with pineapple juice and small chunks for flavor. And the stuffing is made with sugar cooked pineapple and dry coconut powder. It tasted very refreshing and delicious. Here is the recipe for pineapple modak.

Ingredients:

Ghee- 1/4 cup

Sooji- 2 cups

Pineapple juice- 1 cup

Water- 1/2 cup

Sugar- 1 cup

Kesar- 2-3 strands (soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk)

Haldi- a pinch (for color)

Finely chopped Pineapple- 1/4 cup

Cardamom powder- 1/2 tsp

Almonds- 1 tbsp

Stuffing:

Finely chopped Pineapple- 1/2 cup

sugar- 1/2 cup

Beetroot juice- 1/2 tsp (for color)

Dry coconut powder- 1/4 cup

Method:

1. Heat ghee in a pan and add sooji. Roast for 7 min on med-low heat.

2. Add pineapple juice, water and 1 cup sugar. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.

3. Add saffron, turmeric, 1/4 cup chopped pineapples, almonds and cardamom powder.

4. Stir until everything combines. Keep aside and let it cool

5. In another pan, add 1/2 cup chopped pineapple, 1/2 cup sugar and let it cook for 5 min on med-low heat.

6. Now add beetroot juice for color.

7. Cook until the mixture becomes a little thick.

8. Add dry coconut powder and stir to combine everything together.

9. Take it off the heat and let it cool down.

10. Now to make modak, grease your palm with ghee and take 1 spoon of sooji mixture and flatten it.

11. Keep a small amount of pineapple coconut stuffing and fold from all sides giving it a ‘momos’ shape.

12. Use a toothpick to create lines.

13. Modaks are ready. You can chill them or eat immediately.

Hope you try this simple and refreshing recipe and enjoy the beautiful festive season with your loved ones.

**** Ganpati Bappa Moreya****