During the sacred festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, various types of modaks are prepared in many homes to please Bappa. However, there is often concern about impurities in sweets sold in the market, and modaks with muesli or sugar syrup contain too many calories.
If you are looking for something pure, healthy, and quick to offer to Bappa this time, you can try a simple and healthy cottage cheese modak recipe from the famous Indian actress Bhagyashri. These modaks, made from fresh cottage cheese, dried nuts, and natural sweetness, are not only melt-in-your-mouth but also very healthy.
The following ingredients will be needed for preparation: fresh cottage cheese (grated or mashed) — 1.5 cups; condensed milk or powdered cane sugar/sugar candy powder — 1/2 cup; milk powder — 2 tablespoons (for binding); ground cardamom — 1/2 teaspoon; saffron strands — 8-10 (soaked in 1 teaspoon of milk); ghee (clarified butter) — 1 teaspoon; finely chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios) — 2 tablespoons.
First, grate the fresh and soft cottage cheese, then mash it with your palms for 2-3 minutes until you achieve an absolutely smooth and velvety consistency. Heat 1 teaspoon of ghee in a non-stick pan. Then add the prepared cottage cheese and condensed milk (or cane sugar/candy powder) and mix. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, for 4-5 minutes.
Next, add the milk powder, saffron milk, and ground cardamom to the mixture, and mix thoroughly. Continue cooking until the mass starts to detach from the sides of the pan and forms a lump. Turn off the heat and transfer the mixture to a plate to cool slightly.
Grease the modak mold with a small amount of ghee, sprinkle the chopped nuts into it, and then firmly fill it with the prepared cottage cheese mixture. Open the mold—and your incredibly delicious, pure, and healthy cottage cheese modak is ready.