Modak, swee-filled dumplings , are a traditional celebratory food of the Hindu festival of Ganesh (or Vinayaka) Chaturthi. Ganesha Chaturthi is a 10-day festival (this year beginning September 1st) period during which the son of Shiva and Parvati is said to be present to his devotees on Earth. Naturally gluten free and easily dairy free, modak are small festival dumplings filled with sesame seeds, coconut and jaggery (a cousin of palm sugar, available online and at specialty markets) the dumplings can be fried (traditionally) or steamed and enjoyed hot or at room temperature -- after making an offering to Lord Ganesha first!
Traditional Modak Recipe, Gluten Free
Look at Perfect Click's photo below to see how to form the modaks.
Not familiar with metric measurements? This site has an extremely helpful conversion chart!
Image Sources:
