Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most beloved and celebrated festivals in India, marks the birth of the elephant-headed deity, Lord Ganesha. An essential aspect of this vibrant occasion is the preparation and consumption of modak, a sweet treat believed to be Lord Ganesha's favourite. This year, why not add a healthy twist to your modak recipe with a delightful blend of paneer, sattu, and nuts? Dive into the aromatic world of ghee and saffron as we explore how this unique modak creation can elevate your Ganesh Chaturthi festivities.
The Perfect Blend of Ingredients
Paneer, a versatile dairy product, forms the creamy base of our healthy modak. Known for its high protein content and rich texture, paneer adds a luscious creaminess to the modak filling that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
Sattu, a flour made from roasted gram pulses, brings a nutty flavour and a nutritional punch to our modak. Packed with protein, fibre, and essential nutrients, sattu enhances the overall health quotient of the modak while adding a distinctive taste that sets it apart from traditional recipes.
A generous sprinkling of assorted nuts such as almonds, cashews, and pistachios not only introduces a delightful crunch to the modak but also contributes a healthy dose of essential fats, vitamins, and minerals. These nuts not only enhance the texture but also provide a satisfyingly wholesome element to the treat
No Indian festive delicacy is complete without the enticing aroma of ghee and saffron. Saffron, with its earthy notes and vibrant hue, not only enhances the visual appeal of the modak but also lends a subtle yet distinctive flavour that lingers on the palate.
Paneer Modak
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Paneer or Cottage Cheese (grated)
1/3 cup Milk Powder
Assorted nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios - finely chopped)
Saffron strands
1/4 cup Jaggery or sugar (as per taste)
3 tbsp of Milk
Cardamom powder
Ghee
Instructions:
Soak the saffron strands in the milk. Warm the milk before soaking the saffron.
Add crumbled paneer, jaggery, and cardamom powder in a bowl and mix well.
Add saffron-infused milk to the mixture for flavour and colour.
Mix all the ingredients and make a dough. Keep the dough in the refrigerator for 10-15 min.
Grease the modak mould with ghee.
Place the dough in the mould. Fill the centre with the chopped almond and pistachios.
Remove the excess dough and slowly de-mould it.
Garnish with more chopped nuts and saffron strands. Your healthy paneer and nut modak are ready to serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Benefits:
For every ~ 25 gm
Calories intake: 45 calories
Proteins: 3 g
Fats: 2 g
Carbs: 3 g
Fibre: 0.4 g
2. Sattu Modak
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Sattu (Roasted Channa Powder)
1/4 cup Assorted nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios - finely chopped)
Saffron strands
1/4 cup Jaggery or sugar (as per taste)
3 tbsp of Milk
Cardamom powder
4 tbsp Ghee
Instructions:
Soak the saffron strands in the milk. Warm the milk before soaking the saffron.
Add sattu, jaggery, ghee and cardamom powder in a bowl and mix well.
Add saffron-infused milk to the mixture for flavour and colour.
Mix all the ingredients and make a dough.
Grease the modak mould with ghee.
Place the dough in the mould. Fill the centre with the chopped almond and pistachios.
Remove the excess dough and slowly de-mould it.
Garnish with more chopped nuts and saffron strands or edible golden paper. Your healthy sattu modak is ready to eat!
Nutritional Benefits:
For every ~ 25 gm
Calories intake: 68 calories
Proteins: 3.5 g
Fats: 2 g
Carbs: 10 g
Fibre: 1 g
3. Oats Chocolate Modak
Ingredients:
1/2 cup OatsÂ
1/4 cup Peanut Butter
1/2 cup Dark Compound Chocolate
1 tbsp Ghee
Instructions:
Dry roast the oats and let it cool down. Grind the oats into a fine powder.
Add the oats powder and peanut butter in a bowl and mix well to form a dough.
Grease the modak mould with ghee.
Place the dough in the mould.
Remove the excess dough and slowly de-mould it.
Place the modak in the refrigerator for 10 min to cool.
Melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave.
Remove the modak and dip them in the melted chocolate to form a thick layer on the top.
Garnish with nuts or edible golden paper. Your healthy oats chocolate modak is ready to eat!
Nutritional Benefits:
For every ~ 25 gm
Calories intake: 130 calories
Proteins: 3.5 g
Fats: 7 g
Carbs: 15.5 g
Fibre: 2 g
Embrace Tradition with a Healthier Twist
This Ganesh Chaturthi, embrace the festival's spirit while prioritising your health with this innovative take on the classic modak. Celebrate the occasion with joy, devotion, and a touch of wholesomeness in every bite!
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