Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Kaju Pista Modak | Cashew Pistachio Modak (Sugar Free)


This morning I made Modaks for Ganesh Chaturthi. The last time I made these beauties, I had tried them with the traditional jaggery and coconut filling. This time I wanted to make something different. These modaks are sugar free, as they are made only with dried fruits and nuts, NO ADDED SUGAR!! They came out incredible well and the filling was mellow but delicious.


You may notice that some of the modaks are a deep brown. That's because that are made with a ragi flour covering! Both kinds turned out really well. I will post the Ragi Flour recipe shortly.

Ingredients:
1 cup rice flour
1 tbsp ghee
Warm water as needed

For Filling:
1/4 cup raw pistachios
1/4 cup raw cashews
1/3 cup golden raisins
1 tbsp ghee

Method:
  1. Sift the rice flour into a mixing bowl.
  2. Add the ghee, and rub into the flour.
  3. Now pour the warm water, just a little at a time.
  4. Using a wooden spoon bring together the flour and water.
  5. Allow this mix to sit for 10 minutes, then using your hands, turn it into a soft but pliable dough.
  6. If needed at this stage sprinkle a little extra rice flour or water on the dough to get the correct consistency.
  7. Dry roast the pistachios and cashews, the grind them into a fine powder.
  8. Pour the ghee into a pan, heat, then add the raisins. Fry on a low heat. The raising will puff up and become soft. Remove from the heat immediately, cool completely.
  9. Give the raisins one spin in the food processor.
  10. Combine them and any ghee remaining from the frying process to the nut powder.
  11. To put the modaks together, divide the flour into 10 balls of equal size.
  12. With a little ghee on the palms of your hands, pat one ball flat. Place a level tablespoonful of the fruit and nut mixture in the centre, then bring together the edges. Form a circle. 
  13. Place this on a greased steaming tray. Repeat for remaining dough and filling.
  14. Steam for 15-17 minutes. Remove and enjoy warm.
Vegan Substitute: Replace the ghee in this recipe with canola or raw sesame oil.

Like this recipe. Tried it. Leave me a comment:) 

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8 comments:

  1. These rice snacks sound not only healthy, also very tasty!

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  2. That's wonderful ...looks so delish ...wish you happy Ganesh Chaturthi

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  3. Happy vinayagar Chathurthi... modak looks so yumm n healthy too...
    VIRUNTHU UNNA VAANGA

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  4. Wow such a mindblowing and healthy nutty filling, wish to get some.Happy vinayagar chathurthi wishes to you too..

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  5. Nice twists on the traditional modaks. Was just thinking about using a date and nut filling today, your kaju-kishmish sounds yum and so does the ragi one.

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  6. Ummm different nd delicious,feel like picking one

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