Ganesh Chaturthi: Kesar Pista Modak Recipe

As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, families across India prepare to welcome Lord Ganesha with vibrant celebrations and festive foods. This time of year is particularly special as devotees celebrate the arrival of Bappa Morya, bringing joy and happiness into their homes. One of the most cherished traditions during this festival is the preparation of modak, which is known as Lord Ganesha's favourite sweet.

Modak is a rice flour dumpling traditionally filled with coconut, jaggery, and spices, known as "ukadiche modak." This popular dessert is a staple during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, symbolising devotion and love for the beloved deity.

How To Make Kesar Pista Modak

• Begin by boiling 2 cups of milk in a pan. Once it reaches a boil, take 1/4 cup of hot milk from it and soak a few strands of saffron in this milk. Set it aside to allow the saffron to infuse its colour and flavour.
• Continue boiling the remaining milk until it reduces to half its original quantity. During this process, add the chopped pistachios to the boiling milk and mix well.
• Incorporate the saffron-infused milk into the boiling mixture and stir thoroughly. Keep cooking the milk, stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning at the bottom.
• Cook the mixture until it reaches a rabri-like consistency, and then continue cooking until it thickens into a dough-like texture.
• Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then knead it with your hands until you achieve a smooth consistency for the modak filling.
• Grease a modak mould with ghee. Fill the mould tightly with the prepared mawa mixture. Carefully demold each modak to reveal its shape. Repeat this process with the remaining dough.
• For a beautiful finish, decorate the modaks with additional saffron strands, chopped pistachios, and silver leaves if desired.

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