Sweet Aval / Pohe Modak ~ Quick & Easy

 

Modak is a delicacy from the Maharashtrian cuisine. These are specially made on the occasion of Ganesh puja as a part of the prashad platter.

There are numerous variations on how these are prepared. The Aval / poha is one simple and easy modak style that can be prepared in 30 - 40 mins with very few ingredients.

Ingredients :

- Aval / Poha / Aatukulu - 1 cup

- Grated fresh coconut - 1/4 cup

- Grated Jaggery - 1/2 cup

- Water - 1 1/2 cup

- Cardamom / Elaichi Powder - 1/2 tsp

- Ghee - 1 tsp

Recipe :

1. Blend Poha / Aval into fine powder and keep aside. This is the Poha/ Aval powder.

2. In a pan add the water and when bubbles appear, add the grated jaggery. Let all the jaggery just melt.

3. Filter this jaggery water to avoid any impurities or dust particles.

4. Bring the jaggery water back to boil, when again bubbles appear add grated fresh coconut and elaichi powder. Mix this well.

5. After 5 mins you will see that syrup is well boiled. Now add the poha / aval powder in batches and mix in such a way that no lumps are present.

6. When the water is completely absorbed and the powder is cooked, add a spoon of ghee and mix well. This will come together like a ball, then turn off the heat and let this cool.

7. When you are able to handle the heat of the poha base mix everything with your hand. Apply ghee to hands and roll out small balls and shape them into modaks on a plate.

8. To steam in a wide bigger pan, add water and place a stand or plate. Then place the modaks plate on it , this plate should not submerge in the water. Close the lid and steam for 10-12 mins.

9. You can slightly rearrange the shape even after this is steamed.

Enjoy this slightly hot.