steamed goodies-Modak

Modak, kozhukattai or steamed rice balls, a sweet which can be any health-conscious’ delight and with minimal oil and negligible sugar content it certainly is a winner on a diet chart.

Basic Wrap

Dough used to make the basic wrap is same for all kinds of modaks, sweet or savory, the difference being the stuffing inside. To proceed for basic wrap;

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw rice powder
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp.oil
• a pinch of salt

Method: Rice flour in the recipe can be brought right from the shelves of any super market. To prepare it at home, take the required quantity of rice and wash it with water.  Drain the water and spread the rice on a kitchen towel to dry. Powder the rice in a mixie to a fine powder.

Take a heavy bottom pan and boil water in it, add oil and salt to the water. Mix in the powder rice gradually stirring it all the time. Keep stirring the mix till a solid lump is formed, take off the stove and let it cool. The dough for the basic wrap is ready.

Take a marble size ball of the dough and flatten it on the palm. Fill the desired filling and close the ball giving the shape of a modak (as in the picture). Steam the ball in a steamer or in a pressure cooker without vent for 10 minutes. Basic wraps are ready to use for delicious modaks.

1. Sesame Modaks

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup de-skinned sesame seeds(til)
• 1/2 cup clean jaggery

Method:Dry roast the sesame seeds till dark brown in colour. Grate the jaggery. Mix both the ingredients and the filling for the modaks is ready.

Note: Use black sesame(with skin) for more health benefits.

2. Coconut Modaks

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup grated coconut
• 1/2 cup jaggery
• 2 tsp. water
• a few chopped nuts(cashew, almonds)
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder

Method:Take a heavy bottom pan add jaggery and water in it. Let the jaggery melt, take off the flame and filter the liquid. Boil it again and add the coconut, cook it till it become a solid lump. Cool and add cardamom and the nuts to it. Use the filling to make the coconut modaks.

Enjoy a guilt free healthy steamed sweet on any occasion!