2 Best Recipes for Ganesh Chaturthi: Delight Your Family and Guests

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, marking the birth of Lord Ganesha. During this festive season, families prepare traditional offerings for the beloved elephant-headed god. Two classic and popular recipes you can prepare during this festival are Modak and Puran Poli. Both are not only divine in taste but are also believed to be Lord Ganesha’s favorites. Let’s explore how to make these delicious dishes!

1. Steamed Modak (Ukadiche Modak)
Modak is a sweet dumpling that holds a special place during Ganesh Chaturthi. This Maharashtrian delicacy is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of coconut and jaggery and encased in a soft rice flour shell.
Ingredients:
.1 cup rice flour
. 1 ½ cups water
. 1 tsp ghee
.A pinch of salt

For the filling:
.1 cup grated coconut
. ¾ cup jaggery
.½ tsp cardamom powder
.A few chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
1.    Prepare the filling: In a pan, heat jaggery with a tablespoon of water until it melts. Add grated coconut and stir well until the mixture thickens. Add cardamom powder and nuts, if using. Let it cool.
2.    Prepare the dough: Boil water with ghee and a pinch of salt. Once boiling, add rice flour, stirring continuously to form a dough. Cover and let it cool slightly before kneading it into a smooth dough.
3.    Shape the Modak: Take small portions of the dough, roll it into balls, and flatten it with your fingers to form small discs. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center, fold the edges together to form pleats, and pinch the top to seal.
4.    Steam the Modaks: Steam the prepared modaks in a steamer for 10-12 minutes until they turn slightly translucent. Serve them warm, drizzled with ghee for extra flavor.

2. Puran Poli
Puran Poli is a traditional flatbread stuffed with a sweet mixture of chana dal (split chickpeas) and jaggery. This dish is not only a festive favorite but also a comforting dessert that pairs beautifully with a dollop of ghee.
Ingredients:
●    1 cup whole wheat flour
●    ½ cup all-purpose flour
●    1 tsp turmeric powder
●    2 tbsp ghee
●    A pinch of salt
For the filling (Puran):
●    1 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
●    ¾ cup jaggery
●    ½ tsp cardamom powder
●    A pinch of nutmeg powder
Instructions:
1.    Prepare the dough: Mix the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, turmeric powder, salt, and ghee. Add water gradually and knead into a soft, pliable dough. Cover and set aside.
2.    Prepare the filling: Cook chana dal in a pressure cooker until soft. Drain any excess water and mash the dal. Heat a pan, add the mashed dal and jaggery, and cook until the mixture thickens. Add cardamom and nutmeg powder. Allow it to cool.
3.    Shape the Puran Poli: Take a small ball of dough, roll it out, place the filling in the center, and fold the edges to enclose the filling. Roll it out gently into a thin circle.
4.    Cook the Puran Poli: Heat a tawa (griddle) and cook the puran poli on both sides until golden, applying ghee as needed. Serve hot with more ghee or milk on the side.

Conclusion
Both Modak and Puran Poli are deeply symbolic and delightful dishes to make for Ganesh Chaturthi. As you celebrate the festival with prayers, chants, and rituals, these two traditional recipes will add a touch of sweetness to your festive spread and win the hearts of everyone at your gathering! Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!