Modak, Ganpati Bappa's favourite sweet, is an essential part of the bhog thali and no offering is complete without it (in frame: vegan modak)
Nutritious and delicious recipes add a modern touch to Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
Ganesh Chaturthi, a vibrant festival in honour of Lord Ganesha, is celebrated with joyous festivities and the preparation of special sweets. Among the traditional modaks, innovative recipes like almond amaranth bites and vegan modak offer a modern twist, combining flavour with health benefits. These expert-recommended delicacies are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them perfect for sharing during the festival.
Almond Amaranth Bites Recipe by Dr. Rohini Patil
Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, is marked by colorful decorations, lively music, and the preparation of delicious sweets. Among the traditional sweets, a modern take on the festivities includes the preparation of almond and amaranth snacks, a nutritious and delicious snack recommended by Dr. Rohini Patil. These snacks are easy to prepare and perfect to share with loved ones.
Serves: 14 – 15 pieces
Preparation time: 5 – 7 minutes
Cooking time: 10 – 12 minutes
Ingredients:
50 g crushed amaranth seeds
50 ml melted brown sugar
30 g of sliced almonds (unpeeled)
Instructions:
Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the crushed amaranth seeds with the melted brown sugar. Stir until well coated.
Add the almonds: Gently fold in the almond flakes.
Shaped bites: Transfer the mixture to a plate or tray. Shape into small bites.
Cool and set: Allow to cool and set at room temperature for about 10 to 12 minutes.
Enjoy these nutritious and delicious treats as part of your Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations!
Vegan Modak Recipe by Hina Gujral, Chef and promoter of Veganuary India
This Ganesha Utsav is being celebrated with a delicious and divine offering – Vegan Modak. Made with coconut, almond milk and jaggery, these modaks are a simple and healthy alternative to the traditional version, requiring no condensed milk or mawa. Ganpati Bappa’s favourite sweet, modak is an essential part of the bhog thali, and no offering is complete without it. Perfectly crafted to honour Lord Ganesha, this easy recipe preserves the essence of the festival while embracing a plant-based lifestyle.
Ingredients:
2 cups of coconut
1/2 cup almond milk
1/3 cup brown sugar powder
1 teaspoon cardamom powder
1/4 teaspoon saffron (optional)
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
1 tablespoon of peanuts
Instructions:
Dry roasting: Dry roast peanuts and sesame seeds and then blend them into a coarse powder.
Heat the oil: Heat the coconut oil in a pan, add the coconut and fry over low heat.
Add the ingredients: Add almond milk, brown sugar powder, saffron and fry well.
Mix: Add the peanut powder and mix everything together.
Modak moulds: Switch off the flame, grease a modak mould and fill it with the mixture. Press gently.
Enjoy these instant modaks as a sweet plant-based offering for Ganesh Chaturthi!
