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Ganesh Utsav is incomplete without delicious offerings made as Ganpati Prasad. It is believed that Lord Ganesha, fondly known as Ganpati Bappa, has certain favorite foods that devotees offer to seek his blessings. These foods are not only traditional but also hold deep spiritual significance. In this blog post, we will explore some of the favorite foods of Ganpati Bappa and provide easy-to-follow recipes so you can prepare them as prasad during the festival.
Ukadiche Modak (Steamed Modak)
Image Credits: Coolgama, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Modak is undoubtedly Ganpati Bappa’s favorite food, and it is the most popular offering during Ganesh Utsav. The soft rice flour outer layer and the sweet coconut-jaggery filling make it an irresistible treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp ghee
- 1 cup grated coconut
- ¾ cup jaggery (grated)
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
- A pinch of salt (sendha)
Method:
– Prepare the filling: In a pan, heat the grated coconut and jaggery until they combine well and the jaggery melts. Add cardamom powder and set aside.
– Prepare the dough: In a pot, boil water with a pinch of salt and 1 tsp ghee. Gradually add rice flour while stirring continuously to form a soft dough. Cover and let it rest.
– Shape the modak: Knead the dough to smoothen it. Take small portions, flatten them into discs, and place the filling in the center. Pinch the edges of the disc and fold them over to seal.
– Steam the modaks: Steam the modaks in a steamer for 10–12 minutes until they are firm.
These soft, melt-in-your-mouth modaks are not just a delight for Lord Ganesha but also for devotees who enjoy them as Ganpati Prasad.
Puran Poli
Image Credits: Heena78624, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A traditional Maharashtrian delicacy, Puran Poli is another favorite dish of Ganpati Bappa. This sweet flatbread, stuffed with a mixture of jaggery and lentils, is often prepared as a prasad during Ganesh Utsav.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
- 1 cup jaggery
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
- 1½ cups wheat flour
- Ghee (for cooking)
Method:
- Prepare the filling: Cook the chana dal until soft, then mash it. In a pan, add the mashed dal and jaggery and cook until the mixture thickens. Add cardamom powder and let it cool.
- Prepare the dough: Knead the wheat flour with water to make a soft dough.
- Assemble the Puran Poli: Roll out small portions of dough into discs, place the filling in the center, and fold it. Roll out the filled dough again into a flatbread.
- Cook the Puran Poli: Heat a tawa (griddle) and cook the Puran Poli on both sides, applying ghee, until golden brown.
Puran Poli is a rich, sweet treat perfect for offering as Ganpati Prasad and sharing with family and friends.
Coconut Laddus
These easy-to-make, sweet, and flavorful coconut laddus are also one of Ganpati Bappa’s favorites. Made with just a few ingredients, they make for an excellent offering during the festival.
Image Credits: Baby Devi 26, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
- 1 cup condensed milk or sugar
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
- Ghee (for greasing)
Method:
- Roast the coconut: In a pan, lightly roast the grated coconut until fragrant.
- Prepare the mixture: Add condensed milk (or sugar) and cardamom powder to the pan and stir until the mixture thickens.
- Shape the laddus: Once the mixture cools slightly, grease your hands with ghee and shape it into small laddus.
These laddus are quick to prepare and are loved by both Lord Ganesha and devotees as a delightful Ganpati Prasad.
Besan Laddus
Another sweet treat loved by Ganpati Bappa is the humble besan laddu. With its nutty flavor and rich sweetness, it’s a perfect offering for the festival.
Image Credits: Divya Kudua ; cropped by Off-shell, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ingredients:
- 2 cups besan (gram flour)
- 1 cup ghee
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
- Chopped nuts (optional)
Method:
- Roast the besan: In a pan, heat ghee and roast the besan until it turns golden brown and aromatic.
- Add sugar and cardamom: Once the besan cools slightly, add powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and chopped nuts. Mix well.
- Shape the laddus: Shape the mixture into small, round laddus while it’s still warm.
These laddus are easy to make and are sure to be appreciated by all when served as Ganpati Prasad.
Banana Sheera (Sooji Halwa)
Banana Sheera is a popular prasad offered during Ganesh Utsav. Made from semolina (sooji) and bananas, this dish is not only delicious but also highly nutritious.
Image Credits: Dharitis, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ingredients:
- 1 cup semolina (sooji)
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup ghee
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
- Chopped nuts and raisins (optional)
Method:
- Roast the semolina: In a pan, heat ghee and roast the semolina until golden brown.
- Add milk and bananas: Slowly add milk and mashed bananas, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Sweeten the sheera: Add sugar and cardamom powder. Cook until the sheera thickens and ghee begins to separate.
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped nuts and raisins for added texture.
This warm, comforting dish is perfect for offering as Ganpati Prasad and is enjoyed by all ages.
Offering Ganpati Prasad to Lord Ganesha is a beautiful way to express your devotion during Ganesh Utsav. The favorite foods of Ganpati Bappa, like modaks, laddus, and puran poli, not only carry rich cultural significance but are also easy to prepare at home. These simple and delicious recipes will help you honor Ganesha and share the festive joy with family and friends. May these offerings bring blessings and happiness into your home during this auspicious time!
Ganapati Bappa Morya!
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