Modak

Directions

• Heat 1 1/4 cups of water with salt and 1 tsp. oil in deep pan. Bring it to boil and simmer the heat and add rice flour (चावल का आटा) in a steady flow, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
• Cook cover for 3 minutes, must pour some water over lid.
• Remove the lid and sprinkle some cold water over the rice flour (चावल का आटा). Cover it again with lid with water on it and cook it further 3 minutes. Repeat this method twice more.
• Now take the pad out of heat and leave covered for 2 minutes.
• Transfer this mixture into a platter (परात), grease the palms of your hands with oil and knead the dough till completely smooth and pliable. Rest the dough with a damp cloth for 5-10 minutes.
• Roast poppy (पोस्त) seeds. Keep aside.
• Grate fresh coconut (ताजा नारियल) and jaggery (गुड).
• Cook grated fresh coconut (ताजा नारियल) and jaggery (गुड) in a pan on medium heat till light golden brown. Add roasted poppy (पोस्त) seeds, green cardamom (छोटी इलायची) powder and nutmeg (जायफल) powder. Keep coconut mixture aside.
• Divide the dough in 12 equal portions and make balls.
• Grease the hands with oil; take one ball and spread each ball to form a three-inch bowl. Press the edges of the bowls to reduce the thickness. Put 1 tbsp. of coconut mixture in the centre. Fold the edges of the dough bowl and gather them together to form a bundle. Pinch to seal the edges at the top. Repeat this for all remaining dough balls.
• Steam Modak for 10-12 minutes in a steamer.
• Serve hot or cool.