On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi learn how to make Ukdiche Modak at home. Ukdiche Modak or steamed coconut dumplings are served to Lord Ganesha as prasad / nevedya. Learn this simple recipe only on Variety Vantalu

Ingredients :

3 Cups Water (నీళ్ళు)
3 Cups Rice Flour (బియ్యం పిండి)
3 Cups Grated Coconut (తురిమిన కొబ్బరి)
1 1/2 Cup Jaggery ( బెల్లం )
1 tsp Oil / Ghee ( నెయ్యి / నెయ్యి )
1 tsp Cardamom Powder ( యాలుకల పొడి)
Salt to taste ( తగినంత ఉప్పు )
Method :

To Make the Covering (Ukad) ( పిండిని తయారుచేసుకునే పద్ధతి):
- In a pan heat some water. Add salt and ghee.
- Then add the rice flour and mix everything well.
- Switch off the flame and cover it for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes spread the mixture in bowl and allow it to cool.
To Make the filling :
- In a pan heat some oil. Then add grated coconut and jaggery.
- Mix well till the jaggery melts completely.
- Then add cardamom powder and mix well. Switch off the flame and let the mixture cool.

To Make the Modaks
- Remove the flour mixture into a flat bottom pan and knead the dough well.
- Take out lemon sized balls of the dough and shape it into a small roti with your fingers. Apply oil to your palms so that the mixture doesn't stick to your hands.
- Fill the small roti with the coconut filling leaving some space for folding it.
- Pinch the outer covering with your fingers into small pleats and then fold them up. Join them and cover the filling completely.
- Make all the modaks like so and keep them aside.
- For cooking, fill 1/4th of the steamer with water. Cover it with the lid. If you are using a pressure cooker, don't put the vent valve.
- Let the modaks steam for 10-15 mins and they are ready. You can also serve them with ghee.