Modak

Modak(Marathi:मोदक),Modakam(Sanskrit:मोदकम्), orModaka(Kannada:ಮೋದಕ), also referred to asKoḻukattai(கொழுக்கட்டை) inTamil, andKozhukkatta(കൊഴുക്കട്ട) inMalayalam,is anIndiansweet dish popular in many Indian states and cultures. According toHinduandBuddhistbeliefs, it is one of the favourite dishes ofGaneshaandthe Buddhaand is therefore used in prayers.The sweet filling inside a modak consists of freshly gratedcoconutandjaggery, while the outer soft shell is made fromrice flourorwheat flourmixed withkhowaormaida flour.
There are two distinct varieties of Modakam, fried and steamed. The steamed version (calledUkadiche Modakam)is often served hot withghee.
According to culinary historianDarra Goldstein, modaka is an ancient sweet that dates back to around 200 BCE.Early mentions of modaka are found inAyurveda,RamayanaandMahabharatawhere it is described as a dumpling confectionery with sweet stuffing.Sangamliterature similarly mentions modakas as rice dumplings filled with sweet stuffing that were also sold by street vendors in the ancient city ofMadurai.The medieval Manasollasa culinary text explains that modakas, as prepared with rice flour and a sweet stuffing with aromatic spices such ascardamomandcamphor, were calledVarsopalagolakasbecause they looked likehailstones.Fried modakas are made with wheat flour, while steamed modakas are made from rice flour.
In aHinducontext, the word 'modaka' is explained as being derived from the words"Moda"and"Pramoda", meaningjoy,happiness,delight;modakas being gifts thatGanesha, the god of good luck, bestows on his devotees.The shape of modaka is also said to represent a bag of money. Thus, it is also used to symbolize wealth, and all the sweet pleasures that wealth gives to humans. In aTantriccontext, its shape is seen to symbolise an upward pointing triangle, which in Tantric art representsShiva, i.e. spiritual reality, in contrast to the downward pointing triangle, which representsShakti, material reality.
Modak is considered to be the favourite sweet of theHindudeity,Ganesha.From it, he gets the monikermodakapriya(one who likes modak) in Sanskrit. The word modak means "small part of bliss" and it symbolises spiritual knowledge.DuringGanesh Chaturthi, thepujausually concludes with an offering of 21 or 101 modaks to Ganesha. Modaks made with rice flour shells are often preferred for this purpose, although wheat shell versions are also used. Local businesses outside Ganesh temples across India usually sell pre-packed/ready-made versions of modaks.
Modak is also considered to be the favourite sweet ofGautama Buddha. DuringBuddha's Birthday, modaks are offered to the Buddha.
InIndia, modak has a lot of ingrained historical and cultural significance, with variations all over the country. It is known by different names by different linguistic communities, such asmodakinMarathi(मोदक),nevriinKonkani(नेवरी),mandaainOdia(ମଣ୍ଡା),kadubuinKannada(ಕಡುಬು),kozhukattaiin Tamil (கொழுக்கட்டை),kozhukattainMalayalam(കൊഴുക്കട്ട),jilledukayaluinTelugu(జిల్లేడుకాయలు).
InCambodia,num kom(នំគម) is similar to modak. However, the wrapping is much different as num kom does not use rice flour.
InJapan, a sweet similar to modak that replacedcinnamonwith cardamom and known locally askangidan(歓喜団), is offered to both the godKangiten, the Japanese equivalent ofGanesh. Kangidans are made from curds, honey, and red bean paste. They are wrapped in kneaded dough made from parched flour and shaped like a bun before they are deep fried.However, as the majority of Japanese are non-religious, it can be eaten on any occasion such asShōgatsu,Culture Day,Christmas,Halloween, birthdays and retirement parties.
InLaos, modaks are known askanom nab(ເຂົ້າຫນົມແຫນບ).
In theMalay world, modaks are known askuih modak(inMalaysia,BruneiandSingapore) orkue modak(inIndonesia). There are also similar types of modak such askleponandcenil.
InMyanmar, modaks are known asmont lone yay bawand are eaten duringThingyan.
InThailand,Khanom tomandkhanom khoare said to be the close cousins of modaks due to their similarities. However, they come in other colours and are covered in coconuts shreds.
InVietnam, modaks are known asbánh ít nhân dừa.