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Modak for Ganesh Chathurti
Lord Ganesha is supposed to prefer modaks, which we receive in large quantities as soon as Ganesh Chaturthi approaches. I can assure you that it is neither a coincidence nor a random event.
Hindu mythology contains numerous tales that explain why Ganesha has a steadfast affection for modaks. In the conclusion of one such tale, modaks were the only food item that could satiate the appetite of the small God, making it an important festival treat.
Modaks, to put it simply, are a bite-sized delight loaded with coconut and jaggery that instantly warms the heart. And when I claim that it is God’s favourite cuisine, I won’t be exaggerating—we all now realise that it is!
Particularly during Ganesha Chaturthi, which is a festival celebrated by many Hindus around the world, modaks are connected to festivities, celebrations, prayer, and happiness. Foods like Satori, Puran Poli (both sweet flatbreads), shrikhand, and laddoo are frequently consumed during the 10-day celebration.
Modak, however, is the most adored throughout this event. Lord Ganesha is said to love modak, just way he loves motichoor laddoo. For those who are unfamiliar, this traditional Indian dessert is served throughout the festival in steamed form and resembles a dumpling with a pointed top.
You might be wondering if this delectable delight is good for you. Let’s investigate.
What’s Inside a Modak?
The exterior shell of most modaks, which serves as both a structure and a vehicle for the delectable fillings, is often constructed from either wheat flour or rice flour. While the steamed Modaks that are popular during the 10-day Ganesh festival are prepared from ground rice flour, fried Modaks commonly use wheat flour (atta).
Jaggery and coconut are combined to make the filling, which is then cooked in ghee. Of course, there are always a number of additions to the filling in addition to these basic components. Modaks frequently contain nuts, and cardamom is a crucial component as well (usually in powder form). Some folks give this delightful treat their own unique spin by using slightly different filling ingredients.
How Are Modaks Healthy?
Both of the key ingredients in the filling—coconut and jaggery—have significant nutritional and health advantages, with coconut taking centre stage. For many years, coconut has been a staple in Indian cuisine, appearing in both savoury meals like curries and sweet treats. Some Modak health advantages include:
Modaks might aid in the struggle against constipation. Since the filling is prepared using ghee, it is believed to support bowel movement and aid in the lining of the stomach growing stronger. A lot of dietary fibre is also present in the additional coconut, which is beneficial for a healthy digestive tract.
The presence of good fat, fibre, antioxidants, and minerals in coconuts is another advantage.
Important elements like vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in ghee. When ingested in moderation, it may also help lower intestinal inflammation and promote heart health. However, plant sterols included in coconut (and other dry fruit additions) in the filling aid to reduce LDL and raise HDL levels (good cholesterol).
Modak and its filling may have a low glycemic index when consumed as a whole, but only when consumed in moderation. The possibility exists that this treat will have a steady and secure blood sugar reaction, but much more investigation is necessary.
Because butyric acid is healthy for your joints and may aid with reducing overall body inflammation, ghee has long been used as a traditional treatment for such problems.
The rice flour’s sugars and vitamin B1 aid to lessen sugar cravings, which may be helpful during PMS. Additionally, it is a healthy ingredient because it contains excellent fats, carbohydrates, and fibre. However, if consumed in excess, it can also lead to weight gain, so always consume it in moderation.
In addition to all of its other advantages, such as its high content of protein, vitamins, and healthy fats, coconut is also rich in manganese, which is essential for strong bones. The body needs manganese to metabolise proteins and carbs.
What may be the Downsides of Modak?
As previously indicated, eating too many Modaks can lead to health problems like weight gain.
Jaggery is thought to be safer and healthier than refined sugar, although it too may contribute to a fast rise in blood sugar levels. Depending on your doctor’s recommendations, it may be best for diabetics to avoid both sugar and jaggery.
Should You Eat Modak?
This treat is completely safe for you if you don’t have any underlying medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. It undoubtedly makes this occasion more enjoyable to celebrate and could even benefit your general physical and mental health. However, it is advised to limit your consumption of fatty foods, such as Modak’s, during these festival days. Try not to consume too many Modaks at once and keep track of how many you consume each day. It is recommended to check with your doctor about the appropriate meals to eat during Ganesh Chaturthi if you have ongoing medical conditions in order to prevent any health difficulties.
Healthier Alternatives
Because the jaggery and flour used in traditional modaks have significant drawbacks, here are some healthier substitutes:
You can make a tasty sugar-free modak that is completely safe for diabetics by combining dates, walnuts, almonds, and cashews with sugar-free sweeteners. To prevent deep frying, which may not be the best method, use nutritious flour and steam the modaks instead.
Make a unique minty modak by combining mint leaves, sunflower oil, powdered cardamom, and small amounts of jaggery.
Without exquisite cuisine and mouthwatering sweet treats, Indian celebrations are just incomplete. Each celebration actually has a symbolic treat that, in some way or another, relates to religion or mythology.
In India, Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebration that is enthusiastically observed. Although there are many sweet and savoury foods prepared for this celebration, modak steals the show hands down. This unique treat is made with coconut, jaggery, rice flour, tonnes of desi ghee, and, of course, the work of a hard, skilled hand.
The soft shell of a modak is made of rice or wheat flour, and the sweet inside is composed of freshly grated coconut, jaggery, and spices. Modak is nutrient-rich thanks to all of these elements.