Chocolate Modak Recipe With Mawa (2024)

Published: Aug 20, 2021 by Priya * This post may contain affiliate links.

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Searching for a Ganesh Chaturthi modak recipe? Try this delicious chocolate Modak recipe that all will love. Make it in just 15 minutes!

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Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi
Modak is lord Ganesha's favorite
Why make this
Ingredients needed 🧾
How to make it 🔪
Serving suggestions 🍽
Top recipe tips 💭
Recipe FAQs 📖
More festive desserts
Recipe 📖

Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of the elephant-headed God, Ganesha, a symbol of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune.This festival spans 10 days and is celebrated with lots of pomp. Pandals(tents) with huge Lord Ganesh idols are erected on almost every street around India. Visitors/worshipers from all walks of life come together to get a glimpse of these magnificent idols. The serpentine queues outside every tent speak volumes about the faith people have in this God.

Growing up, during those 10 days, our parents would take us idol-hopping post-dinner along with our gang of building friends. Late nights are usually the best time to view all the pandals because the lighting and decorations can be enjoyed to the fullest at night-time plus it's less crowded. We would go as a big group (neighbors, friends, and family), stand in long queues, enjoy the prasad, and be awestruck looking at the beautiful decorations and wonderfully crafted idols.

For many years, we also placed a Ganpati idol in our building, right outside our house. We used to love taking care of the pandal, distributing prasad, lighting the lamps, singing the aartis (sacred hymns) along with friends and family, and celebrating this festival as a community.This festival holds so many nostalgic and wonderful memories for me! That's why today's recipe is extra special.

Modak is lord Ganesha's favorite

Lord Ganesha loves modak (a stuffed sweet dumpling) which is why they are abundantly prepared during this festival, as a ritual.Every year, on this day, my mother would prepare South Indian steamed modaks called kozhukattai. This modak dough is made using rice flour and the stuffing is made with coconut and jaggery. While mom made kozhukattai, our Maharashtrian neighbors prepared wheat flour modaks that were deep-fried. We got to enjoy both these versions because as neighbors, we would exchange sweets on every festive occasion.While both of them are traditional desserts made on this day, I wanted to make a fusion version of both recipes!

Why make this

Chocolate, being everyone's favorite makes this dessert really appetizing
This indulgent yet easy modak recipe can be made instantly in 15 minutes
Uses just 6 main ingredients
They can be made for any festive occasion/festival in any shape
Perfect for gifting during the holidays

Ingredients needed 🧾

Mawa or Khoya is available in Indian grocery stores. You can also make it from scratch using milk powder. I shared the recipe video on Instagram.

Cocoa powder or cacao powder can be used. Chocolate chips can also be used instead. Melt them and

Apart from these ingredients, you also need a modak mold. I got mine from India, but you can buy a similar modak mold from Amazon or from your local Indian grocery store. I also use this nuts chopper when making Indian desserts. It's very easy and convenient to use.

What is khoya

Khoya, also known as mawa is basically dried milk. It is prepared by boiling and reducing the milk to a semi-solid state.

It's sold in different consistencies with different names for preparing different kinds of sweets. You can find it in any Indian grocery store. Read notes for substitutions.

You can also use it in savory dishes like Khoya Matar. You can easily make it at home. I have shared the process on Instagram Reels. Even all Indian grocery stores carry it.

How to make it 🔪

If using store-bought mawa, bring it to room temperature first. Then grate the mawa or make crumbles using your fingers.
- Add ghee to a pan once it melts, and add the grated khoya. Cook on a low flame. Khoya will begin to melt.
Add sugar to the pan. Continue to saute for 1-2 minutes or till the sugar melts.
Add the chopped nuts along with the saffron strands.
Now add cocoa powder using a sieve to avoid lumps from being formed. Give it a good mix. and keep stirring.

Eventually, the mixture will not stick to the pan anymore and come together like a dough. Do not overcook as then the modaks will turn out dense. Take it off the flame.
Transfer this mixture to a bowl or plate. Allow it to cool down completely. Grease the molds with ghee/butter/oil.
Stuff each side of the mold with the mixture.
And press it tightly. Remove any excess. Open the mold and carefully remove the modak out of it.
- Repeat the steps until you finish making all the modaks. Grease the mold with ghee every time, before stuffing the mixture.

Serving suggestions 🍽

Decorate these mawa modaks on a platter and serve. Chocolate Modak or Kozhukattai can be devoured immediately after offering it as prasadam to Lord Ganesha. These chocolate modaks are a delight to eat. They are soft and chewy. The chocolate blends in well with khoya making this kozhukattai irresistible!

Top recipe tips 💭

Cocoa or cacao powder can be used. Chocolate chips can also be used instead.You can also add natural food colors to make colorful modaks. Ricotta cheese is also a great substitute for khoya in this modak recipe.Use any variety of sugar but not honey or maple syrup. If you don't have modak molds, no problem. You can give them any shape you want.

Recipe FAQs 📖

How to make khoya at home?

Add a tablespoon of ghee and 4 tablespoons of milk to a saucepan. Warm it lightly. Then add a cup of milk powder to a bowl. Pour the warm milk into it and knead to a firm dough. If it is too sticky, add more milk powder as needed. Store it in the fridge and let it firm up. You can then grate or mash it and use it in recipes that call for mawa. I have shared the process on Instagram.

How to make it vegan?

In a pan, add a tablespoon of cooking oil and almond flour. Saute for 2-3 minutes on medium flame. Add almond milk and sugar. Keep stirring till it thickens and forms a mixture that doesn't stick to the pan anymore.Then follow the next steps of this modak recipe.Use the dessert version of vegan ghee as needed.

How to store it?

Chocolate modak stays good for a week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze kozhukattai for a couple of months. Thaw and warm them up in the microwave to serve.

More festive desserts

Malai Kulfi With Gulab Jamun
Instant Paneer Gujiya Shells
Carrot Halwa Pistachio Baklava
Vegan Coconut Ladoos

Recipe 📖

Chocolate Modak Recipe With Mawa

Priya Lakshminarayan

Searching for Ganesh Chaturthi recipes? Give this instant chocolate khoya modak recipe a try. This kozhukattai is shaped using a modak mold and can be made in 15 minutes!

5 from 15 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Equipment

Ingredients

▢ 12 oz khoya crumbled
▢ 1 tablespoon ghee
▢ ½ cup sugar
▢ 1 tablespoon chopped nuts optional
▢ 10-12 strands saffron optional
▢ 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
▢ Ghee for greasing the molds

Instructions

If using store-bought mawa, bring it to room temperature first. Then grate the mawa or make crumbles using your fingers.
Add ghee to a pan once it melts, add the grated khoya. Cook on a low flame. Khoya will begin to melt.
Add sugar to the pan. Continue to saute for 1-2 minutes or till the sugar melts.
Add the chopped nuts along with the saffron strands.
Now add cocoa powder using a sieve to avoid lumps from being formed. Give it a good mix. and keep stirring.
The mixture should not stick to the pan anymore and come together. Do not overcook as then the modaks will turn out dense. Take it off the flame.
Transfer this mixture into a bowl or plate. Allow it to cool down completely. Grease the molds with ghee/butter/oil.
Stuff each side of the mold with the mixture.
And press it tightly. Remove any excess. Open the mold and carefully remove the modak out of it.
Repeat the steps until you finish making all the modaks. Grease the mold with ghee every time, before stuffing the mixture.

Notes

If you don't have modak molds, no problem. You can give them any shape you want. Use any variety of sugar but not honey or maple syrup.

Cocoa or cacao powder can be used. Chocolate chips can also be used instead.You can also add natural food colors to make colorful sweets.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Mention @cookilicious or tag #cookiliciousveg

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Reader Interactions

Comments

Snehal says
September 09, 2021 at 12:11 pm
Looks delicious. If you use Ricotta instead of Khoya, do you still prep it same way? My concern is the liquid that might be released from Ricotta.
Thank you 🙏🏼
Reply
- Priya says
  September 09, 2021 at 5:11 pm
  Thank you. Sure you can try. Add ricotta cheese to the pan and cook it till the water evaporates and it doesn't stick to the pan. Then add the other ingredients. Hope this helps.
  Reply
Samarth Annasaheb Karade says
March 19, 2021 at 11:27 am

Thanks for Sharing this sweet recipie.
Reply
- Priya says
  March 19, 2021 at 1:05 pm
  Thank you.
  Reply
Michelle says
August 21, 2020 at 3:16 pm

These threats look and sound delicious! This is the first time I've heard of them and it's so lovely to learn about them and your traditions. Thank you so much for sharing them, I'll have to try and find some khoya and make them.
Reply
- Priya says
  August 21, 2020 at 5:14 pm
  See Also
  Chocolate Modak Recipe
  Thanks for reading and liking it 🙂
  Reply
Emily Liao says
August 21, 2020 at 2:42 pm

This was my first time making this and I loved it! Might be one of my new favorite chocolate desserts 🙂
Reply
- Priya says
  August 21, 2020 at 5:13 pm
  I am so glad to hear that. Thank you
  Reply
Annissa says
August 21, 2020 at 2:16 pm

You had me at chocolate! What cute little treats. I appreciate the explanations of the ingredients. I wasn't familiar with them, but now I know what to look for when I go shopping.
Reply
- Priya says
  August 21, 2020 at 5:13 pm
  Yes, they are very delicious 🙂 Thank you
  Reply
Cate says
August 21, 2020 at 1:57 pm
These look so cute and tasty! Can't wait to try these, thanks for sharing!
Reply
- Priya says
  August 21, 2020 at 5:13 pm
  Thank you so much
  Reply
Andrea Metlika says
August 18, 2020 at 8:06 pm

What a great tradition. I know I would love these as a treat on my Birthday.
Reply
- Priya says
  August 19, 2020 at 3:08 pm
  Thank you so much
  Reply
Emily says
August 18, 2020 at 5:52 pm

Such a short list of ingredients for such a yummy dessert. Also loved learning more about the history behind modak!
Reply
- Priya says
  August 19, 2020 at 3:07 pm
  Thank you. Glad the read was insightful. 🙂
  Reply
Jeannette says
August 18, 2020 at 5:41 pm

Wow! I didn't know what khoya was before this, but learning about it is incredible! This recipe sounds so wonderfully tasty and super easy to make. Thanks for sharing!
Reply
- Priya says
  August 19, 2020 at 3:07 pm
  Thank you so much
  Reply
Jennifer West says
August 18, 2020 at 3:56 pm

I love how quick and easy it is to make this! I need to track down a few of the ingredients but may use your suggested alternates. 🙂
Reply
- Priya says
  August 18, 2020 at 4:09 pm
  Yes, swap the ingredients. Thank you
  Reply
Pris says
August 18, 2020 at 3:53 pm

Well, Lord Ganesha surely has a great taste! It looks delicious, and beautiful too. I have to try it!
Reply
- Priya says
  August 18, 2020 at 4:09 pm
  Thank you so much
  Reply
Shelley says
August 18, 2020 at 12:17 pm

I learned so much from reading this wonderful post, and really enjoyed your memories of celebrating the Ganesha Chaturthi festival as a child. One of the really great things about being a food blogger is learning from other bloggers about their cultures and food - this post exemplifies that, for sure! I love that this recipe needs just four simple ingredients, but I also liked the idea you suggested of being able to add nuts or saffron. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Reply
- Priya says
  August 18, 2020 at 3:14 pm
  Thank you so much. This is why I enjoy blogging..helps me pen down my memories and and glad people like you enjoy reading them. 🙂
  Reply
Jacque Hastert says
August 18, 2020 at 11:27 am

What a fun, easy, and authentic dessert to make! I will have to track down the ingredients and give this recipe a try very soon. Thanks for sharing with us.
Reply
- Priya says
  August 18, 2020 at 11:47 am
  Do give it a try! I have mentioned easy swaps as well in case you don't find any ingredient. 🙂
  Reply
Mirlene says
August 18, 2020 at 11:25 am

Ooohhh how decadent! I cannot wait to try these!!! Looks delicious. Will be adding these to my list of desserts to make for the family.
Reply
- Priya says
  August 18, 2020 at 11:47 am
  It absolutely is! Thank you
  Reply
Nicole C Tingwall says
August 18, 2020 at 11:02 am

This was such a quick and easy dessert! My whole family raved about it!
Reply
- Priya says
  August 18, 2020 at 11:46 am
  I am so happy to hear that! Thank you
  Reply
Kathryn Donangelo says
August 18, 2020 at 10:59 am

These treats look delicious, I can't wait to try them!
Reply
- Priya says
  August 18, 2020 at 11:46 am
  Thank you so much
  Reply