Coconut-Jaggery Dumpling (Modak)

These dumplings are specially prepared in India for the celebration of Ganesh Chathurti festival. It is believed that these dumpling were loved by Lord Ganesh. They are placed in front of Lord Ganesh as offering to him.

Preparation Time : 15 minutes
Cooking Time : 30 minutes
Total Time : 45 minutes
Serves 8

Ingredients:
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4 tbsp Clarified Butter(Ghee)
1 cup light colour jaggery
1 cup grated coconut
1 tsp Cardamom powder
2 tbsp sesame seeds roasted (Til)
1 tsp Poppy seeds roasted (Khus Khus)
1tbsp chopped almonds
1 tbsp chopped pistachios
2 cups of rice flour
2 cups of water.
A pinch of salt.

Procedure:
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1)Take a pan, add 2 tbsp of clarified  butter and grated  coconut, add  1 cup jaggery, 1 tsp cardamom powder, Almonds chopped, pistachios chopped, 1 tsp roasted Poppy seeds, 2 tbsp roasted sesame seeds.

2) Heat the mixture till Jaggery melts and blend with all the ingredients.

3) Once done, keep aside for cooling.

4) Now for covering, keep on medium flame 2 cup of water and add two tbsp of clarified butter and a pinch of salt to it and let it boil.

5) Once the water starts boiling, off the flame and add rice flour to it, mix well, and keep it covered for 5 minutes.

6) In the meanwhile, we make the plate ready to transfer the dough. Once the flour becomes warm start kneeding it , till it is smooth.

7) Make a small lemon size ball and press it between the palms and while pressing the edges try to put a  dent in the centre, to make a pocket, to fill the above stuffing and make the shape as shown. Start creating pleats with your index finger and thumb. Get the pleats together to form a bundle. Close the top by pinching and making it pointed.

8) While making all dumplings  ready, keep the steamer on medium flame to make water boil.

9) Once steamer is ready, place all the dumplings keeping gap in between.

10) Cover the steamer and let it steam for 12-15 minutes or till the shiny texture appears on them.

11) Once they are done, place them on banana leaf and serve hot.

NOTE:

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1) Jaggery can be adjusted as per your taste.
2) Upper coating can be thick or thin as per your liking.
3) Nuts can be selected as per your taste.

BENEFITS:
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1) Grated coconut improve heart health, weight loss and digestion.
2) Jaggery is rich in iron and boosts immunity.
3) Poppy seeds play pivotal role in boosting female fertility.
4) Cardamom powder lowers blood pressure and protects from chronic diseases.
5) Sesame seeds are a good source of vitamin B, lowers blood pressure and lowers cholesterol.
6) Almonds contains healthy fats, fibre and proteins.
7) Pistachios lower blood sugar and cholesterol.