Kesar Mava Modak – A Festive Sweet for Ganesh Chaturthi
Kesar Mawa Modak is one of the most loved varieties of modak that you will find in any halwai (sweet shop) during Ganesh Chaturthi, especially in Maharashtra. These delightful sweets are prepared using rich khoya (mawa) and flavored with saffron, giving them a beautiful golden color and irresistible aroma.
When you visit a sweet shop during the festive season, you will notice shelves filled with different types of mawa modaks. At other times of the year, these are often available in the form of pedhas. But during Ganesh Chaturthi, modaks take center stage.
The best part is that you can easily prepare kesar mawa modak at home with just five simple ingredients – milk, ghee, sugar, milk powder, and saffron. Saffron not only enhances the flavor but also gives a natural golden hue without using any artificial food colors. For the best result, soak saffron strands in lukewarm milk and refrigerate overnight. This brings out the rich color beautifully.
Why I Love Kesar Mava Modak
I personally prefer kesar mawa modak because the flavor is simply divine, and my kids absolutely love them. Once you shape the modaks, avoid refrigerating them immediately. Let them rest in the open for some time to remove excess moisture. This way, they turn out exactly like the ones you buy at a traditional sweets shop.
Tips & Variations
- You can use store bought mawa to make things easy.
- If you don’t like the flavor of saffron just avoid it and make simple mawa modak.
- You can stuff some dry fruits inside modak to make it rich in flavor.
- Replace saffron with cocoa powder and you get a delicious Chocolate Modak.
Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with Modaks
During Ganesh Chaturthi 2020, I challenged myself to publish one unique modak recipe every day for 11 days – and it was such a wonderful experience! If you’re looking for variety, you can check out my 11 Modaks YouTube Playlist where I have shared many different flavors.
Some of the popular recipes include:
So, this Ganesh Chaturthi, do try this easy and delicious Kesar Mawa Modak recipe for Lord Ganesha and share the sweetness with your family. Don’t forget to let me know how you liked it!
For a step-by-step video guide, check out my YouTube channel and explore many more festive recipes.
Kesar Mawa Modak
Ingredients
Method
- Soak 8-10 Saffron strands in 1/4 cup of warm water so that saffron will release its color and flavors in milk.
- In a pan add ghee, milk, saffron milk and milk powder. Mix everything well ,cook on medium flame, stir it continuously.
- Add sugar and cook until the mixture becomes thick and leaves pan, it will take 12 to 15 minutes. Instant mawa is ready.
- Take out the mawa in a bowl, let it cool.
- Take some mixture and put it into greased modak mould and close it tightly. Remove the excess mixture from mould, press gently. Open the mould and take out Kesar Mawa Modak. Offer to lord Ganesha and enjoy it with family and friends.
KESAR MAWA MODAK WITH DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS AND STEP BY STEP PHOTOS
Step 1: In a pan add ghee, milk, saffron milk and milk powder. Mix everything well ,cook on medium flame, stir it continuously.
Step 2: Add sugar and cook until the mixture becomes thick and leaves pan, it will take 12 to 15 minutes. Instant mawa is ready.
Step 3: Take out the mawa in a bowl, let it cool.
Step 4: Take some mixture and put it into greased modak mould and close it tightly. Remove the excess mixture from mould, press gently. Open the mould and take out Kesar Mawa Modak.
