Pistachio Modaks : rich + nutty pistachios create a creamy modak perfect for festive season.
Ganesh Chaturthi, the vibrant festival celebrating Lord Ganesha, is a time of joy, devotion, and, of course, delicious sweets! Among the many treats prepared for this occasion, modaks hold a special place. These sweet dumplings are believed to be Ganapati Bappa’s favorite, earning him the affectionate title of “Modakpriya” or “the one who loves modaks”
This year, I decided to add a twist to the traditional modak by making homemade pistachio modaks. The rich, nutty flavor of pistachios creates a delightful treat that is hard to resist.
A Fun Story: The Modak Miracle
Legend has it that once, during a grand feast in heaven, Lord Ganesha was offered a variety of sweets. However, none could satisfy his insatiable sweet tooth. Seeing this, his mother, Goddess Parvati, quickly whipped up a batch of modaks. The moment Ganesha took a bite, his eyes lit up with joy, and he declared modaks to be his favorite sweet. Since then, no Ganesh Chaturthi celebration is complete without these delectable dumplings.
Recipe for Homemade Pistachio Modaks
To make these modaks, you only need six ingredients and twenty minutes! For the pistachio cream I used Pisti, but there are so many different ones on the market. These modaks are creamy, nutty, smooth and perfectly sweet. Shape the dough into modaks using a mould, and voila! Feel free to add your own twist by garnished them with ground pistachios, edible roses, or a drizzle of dark chocolate. and just like that you have a batch of delicious pistachio modaks ready to offer to Ganapati Bappa
Sweet and Silly
You know how much we love our lunchbox jokes and riddles, here’s a few to include this festive season when you tuck in a treat or two in your kiddos lunchbox.
- Why did Ganesha bring a ladder to the temple? Because he heard the sweets were on a higher level!
- Why does Ganesha never get lost? Because he always follows the “elephant” in the room!
- Why did Ganapati Bappa love modaks? Because they are dumpling-ly delicious!
- A modak a day keeps the obstacles away!
As we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, let’s fill our homes with the aroma of homemade sweets and our hearts with the blessings of Lord Ganesha. May your modaks be as sweet as your celebrations!
- 15 oz whole milk / full fat ricotta
- ⅓ cup whole milk powder or mawa powder
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup pistachio cream; I used Pisti
- 2 tablespoon ghee
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
- In a heavy bottom pan on medium heat melt the ghee. When it melts, add the ricotta, milk powder, and sugar.
- Mix well and cook on medium heat for 15-18 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken. You can tell the mixture is ready to come off the heat once the modak dough resembles a soft dough consistency.
- Turn off the heat and mix in the pistachio cream and cardamom powder until smooth and cool until warm to touch.
- Have a plate ready and grease palms & Modak mould with ghee.
- While the mixture is warm, take a spoonful of dough and use a Modak mould to shape.
- Alternatively, take pink pong sized amounts in your hands, roll into a ball and then pull the top up until pointy.
Looking for more modak recipes? Try our Rainbow Malai Modaks!
Enjoy,
