Bappa’s favourite: Modaks get fusion twists to please every palate

Life size idols of Bappa, grand decorations and live dhol-tasha in the evenings has heralded the festival of Ganapati in the city. And you can totally smell the festivities in the air! Along with that, there is also the flavourful array of Ganapati’s favourite modaks being offered to the elephant god, which will be then devoured by everyone. While the traditional ukadiche modak and mawa modak are still among top favorites, Indoreans are also bingeing on a variety of new fillings and twists to the conventional sweet.

Chocolate

modak., fruit flavours like pineapple, protein modak and what not; the city based confectioners and chocolatiers have ensured that everyone gets new taste of Bappa’s favourite sweet.

Confectionery delights

The chocolate modak makers are going extra mile this time with new and exotic elements added to the regular sweet. Mansha Tolani, one such home-based baker shares, “In the last two years, Indoreans have shown focused love towards confectionery desserts. They like to see baked twists to their traditional mithayis for all festivals. So why would Ganeshotsav be any different?” She has prepared an array of chocolate cake based and red velvet cake based modaks this year.

“Red velvet is in high demand this year. I have even received orders from Maharashtra where it is a bigger festival. For Indoreans too, I have provided a healthy dose of chocolate that is loved by everyone” she adds. Each of these modaks cost Rs. 30 per piece. Similarly, chocolatiers have also ensured a heavy dose of cocoa for the next 11 days with almond Florentine modak, caramel choco filled modak and regular white and dark chocolate modaks that range between Rs. 20-50 per piece.

Fruity fills and nature’s bounty

While chocolate has its own takers, there are others who are looking for the refreshing taste of fruity flavours in Ganeshas favourite food. To give it the festive spin, Rakshita Mehta a

chocolatier

, has given twist to the chocolate variant a fruity punch by incorporating chopped candied fruits in them. “Not everyone likes chocolate modaks, there are many who look for a fruity, natural flavour in their sweets. For them we have prepared

paan

flavoured modak, gulkand and rose modak,

blueberry

and raspberry mix modaks.”

Besides these with nature’s bounty, there are fresh fruit flavours too like Mango and Pineapple modaks. “The dried fruit pieces inside the fillings give a crumbly and basic taste to the modak, as is liked by people. Candied fruit bits was chosen because it makes the regular sweet more juicy and exciting” adds Rakshita. Himanshie Dariyani, a sweet lover who has been binging on such sweets shares, “I loved the exotic variety in the humble Indian sweet this year. Chewing the chopped candies while eating the modak, makes the whole thing a lip smacking experience altogether. New flavours like Blueberry and Raspberry are some drool-worthy options that I am crushing on!”

For the health freaks

With the rise in inclination towards fitness, even the festival bingeing is tilting towards the healthier side for many. To cater to their needs, Mansha has come up with heavy duty

granola

and

whey protein

modaks. “A lot of people had asked me if I could whip up some healthy modaks, so even they can enjoy the festival without any guilt trip of sweet bingeing. After experiments, I came up with granola modaks and whey protein modaks for those who do not want to have even a single cheat day.

The granola has its own crunchy feel, while protein modaks are loaded with all healthy seeds like sunflower, flaxseeds etc.” she says. Each of these modaks cost Rs. 40 per piece. This has come as a boon for Devansh Rathor, a gym instructor who is preparing for a bodybuilding competition. “I love this festival and the amazing desserts that are prepared during this time. But due to my strict dietary regulation, I was going to skip all of it. When I heard of the protein modaks, the child in me was overjoyed while the fitness freak in me was also pleased. At least I won’t be guilty of breaking my routine by the end of eleven days!” he says.

The great Indian mithai twist

For the regular dry fruit and motichoor lovers, city confectioners have some interesting choices with dry fruits as well. One such modak makers, Preksha Jain has something special to offer to Ganpati Bappa this time. “Along with paan and fresh fruit modak, we have a special dish this year - Korma Modak. This is an exotic preparation with dry fruits like almonds, raisins and walnuts among others, wherein these dry fruits are filled inside chocolate balls with honey as the binder to make it a shahi preparation for bhog.” Besides these rasmalai modak and rabdi modak are also trending