Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: 5 Easy Modak Recipes You Can Make In Under 20 Minutes

Ganesh Chaturthi is the ultimate festival celebration in India, lasting for 10-days, and no celebration for Lord Ganesha is complete without the distribution of modaks, or preparing Modakpriya at home. As per Hindu traditions, a platter of 21 modaks is served as prasad or bhog during the aarti or visarjan and the welcoming of Ganpati Bappa at home during the Ganesh Utsav to bring peace, prosperity, and joy to the house and its beings. 

While the classsic Ukadiche modak is filled with coconut and jaggery and steamed to perfection. A modern touch is given to these recipes to prepare fusion modaks in each kitchen every year with creative variations. From crispy fried delicacies and no-cook versions to chocolate mawa modak, here are five recipes you can easily prepare at home in under 20 minutes for extra special festivities. 

5 Easy Modak Recipes For Ganesh Chaturthi 2026

Here are five easy and simple yet delicious prasad recipes for modak you must prepare this year for Ganesh Chaturthi 2026. 

1. Ukadiche Modak Recipe

Classic and all-time favourite, the Ukadiche modak version uses steam method to be prepared and is loved by all. 

Ingredients for Ukadiche modak

• 1 cup fine rice flour

• 1.25 cups water

• 1 tsp ghee

• A pinch of salt

• 1.5 cups freshly grated coconut

• 1 cup organic jaggery

• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder

• 1 tbsp chopped nuts

• 1 tsp ghee

Step-by-Step Recipe to make Ukadiche Modak

1. Heat 1 tsp ghee in a pan. Add grated coconut and jaggery. 

2. Cook on low heat for 5–7 minutes, until the jaggery melts and combines with the coconut. Stir in cardamom powder and nuts. Set aside to cool.

3. Boil water with salt and 1 tsp ghee. 

4. Turn off the heat, add rice flour, stir quickly, cover, and let it steam off the heat for 10 minutes.

5. Transfer the warm dough to a plate and knead smoothly using a little warm water until pliable.

6. Grease hands with ghee. Flatten a small dough ball into a thin disk. 

7. Place 1 tablespoon of coconut filling in the center. 

8. Pinch the edges to form pleats, pull them together at the top, and seal into a pointed peak.

9. Place modaks in a steamer lined with a damp muslin cloth or banana leaf. Steam on medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes. Serve hot with pure ghee.

2. Fried Modak Recipe

Give your usual modak a perfect crunch with our recipe guide to prepare fried modak at home in no time and make celebrations extra special. 

Ingredients for Fried Modaks

• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or refined flour)

• 2 tbsp hot ghee

• Pinch of salt

• Water to knead.

• 1 cup grated coconut

• 3/4 cup jaggery or sugar

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg & cardamom powder

• 1 tsp poppy seeds (khus khus)

Step-by-Step Recipe To Make Fried Modak

1. Mix flour, salt, and hot ghee (moyan). 

2. Gradually add water and knead into a semi-firm dough. Cover and rest for 20 minutes.

3. Roast poppy seeds in a pan, then add coconut and jaggery. 

4. Cook until moisture evaporates. Sprinkle nutmeg and cardamom powder; let cool.

5. Roll small dough balls into thin 3-inch circles. 

6. Put a spoon of filling in the center, pleat the edges, and seal firmly at the apex.

7. Heat ghee or oil in a deep pan on medium-low flame. 

8. Fry modaks evenly until golden brown and crisp. Cool completely before storing.

3. Chocolate Mawa Modak Recipe

Perfect for kids and sweet-tooth lovers, this modak mix mawa and loads of chocolate for a festive treat. 

Ingredients to make Chocolate Modak

• 1.5 cups fresh mawa (khoya), crumbled

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 3 tbsp cocoa powder

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or cardamom powder

• 1 tbsp chopped almonds or chocolate chips (optional)

Step-by-Step Recipe For Chocolate Modak

1. In a non-stick pan, crumble and cook mawa on low heat for 3–4 minutes until soft.

2. Sift in cocoa powder and stir well until fully incorporated into the mawa.

3. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly (lukewarm). 

4. Add powdered sugar and vanilla/cardamom powder. Mix until a soft dough forms.

5. Grease a modak mould with ghee. 

6. Press small portions of the chocolate-mawa dough tightly into the mould, insert chocolate chips in the center if desired, close, and gently release.

4. Instant Paneer and Kesar Peda Modak

A hassle-free, 10-minute recipe using fresh cottage cheese and condensed milk infused with aromatic saffron.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh paneer (chenna), crumbled smooth

• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

• 1/4 cup milk powder

• 2 tbsp warm milk mixed with saffron strands (kesar)

• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. In a blender, combine crumbled paneer and condensed milk until completely smooth with no lumps.

2. Transfer the puree to a heavy-bottomed pan, add milk powder and saffron milk.

3. Stir continuously on a low-medium flame for 6–8 minutes until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan and forms a dough-like ball.

4. Remove from heat, mix in cardamom powder, and let it cool slightly. 

5. Grease modak moulds with ghee and shape while warm.

5. Dry Fruit & Date Modak

A wholesome, guilt-free option made entirely with dates, nuts, and seeds—ideal for health-conscious devotees and those managing sugar levels.

Ingredients

• 1 cup seedless dates (soft varieties like Kimia work best)

• 1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios), finely chopped

• 2 tbsp melon seeds or poppy seeds

• 1 tbsp ghee

• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Pulse seedless dates in a food processor to form a thick paste.

2. Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a pan. 

3. Dry-roast chopped nuts and seeds until fragrant and golden.

4. Add date paste to the roasted nuts. 

5. Stir vigorously on low flame for 3 minutes until the mixture gathers into a cohesive mass.

6. Turn off the heat and mix in cardamom powder. 

7. Once cool enough to touch, press the warm mixture into greased modak moulds to shape them.

Modak Preparation Time And Key Ingredients 

Know how much time each kind takes to be prepared and cooked before offering to Lord Ganesha this year.

Conclusion

Here is our best guide to preparing modak in less than 20 minutes for your Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations this year. Make the most of your time with fusion recipes and sweets that not only Ganesha but everyone visiting your home will love and seek more. Try the best variations and celebrate the welcome of Ganpati Bappa with pride and happiness. 

(Image credit: Pinterest)

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