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Bake Orange Modak Recipe
Sanjeev Vekariya

Bake Orange Modak

Baked Orange Modak is a modern twist on traditional Indian modak, featuring a rice flour dough filled with coconut, jaggery, and orange zest, baked to golden perfection for a citrusy, festive treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cool Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 Modaks
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup rice flour
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp ghee clarified butter
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp orange zest
For the Filling
  • 1 cup grated coconut fresh or desiccated
  • ½ cup jaggery grated or powdered
  • 2 tbsp orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • ½ tsp cardamom powder
  • 1 tbsp chopped nuts cashews or almonds, optional
For Brushing
  • 1 tbsp ghee melted

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Filling
  1. In a non-stick pan, combine grated coconut and jaggery over medium heat. Keep stirring for about 5 minutes, until the jaggery has completely melted into the coconut. Then, mix in the orange juice, orange zest, and cardamom powder. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Stir in chopped nuts if using. Set aside to cool.
    1 tsp orange zest, 1 cup grated coconut, ½ cup jaggery, 2 tbsp orange juice, ½ tsp cardamom powder, 1 tbsp chopped nuts
    Prepare the Filling Step
Step 2: Make the Dough
  1. Now Get the water, ghee, salt, and a bit of orange zest boiling in a saucepan. Once it's boiling, turn the heat to low and slowly mix in the rice flour, stirring constantly so no lumps form. Mix until the dough comes together. Cover and let it rest for 5 minutes.
    1 cup rice flour, 1 cup water, Pinch of salt, 1 tsp orange zest, 1 tsp ghee
    Make the Dough Step
Step 3: Knead the Dough
  1. Transfer the dough to a clean surface. While it's still warm, use your hands to work it until it's smooth and stretchy. Be careful, it will be hot. If it feels dry, add a few drops of water.
    1 cup water
    Knead the Dough Step
Step 4: Shape the Modaks
  1. Divide the dough into 12 equal balls. Flatten each ball into a small disc (about 3 inches in diameter). Place 1-2 tsp of the coconut-orange filling in the center. Gather the edges by pinching them to make pleats. Then, twist and press the top to seal it, making a cone shape like a modak.
    Shape the Modaks Step
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the modaks on the tray and brush them lightly with melted ghee.
    1 tbsp ghee
    Prepare for Baking Step
Step 6: Bake the Modaks
  1. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the modaks turn lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes.
    Bake the Modaks Step
Step 7: Serving Modaks
  1. Serve the modaks warm or at room temperature, garnished with a sprinkle of orange zest for extra flair.
    Serve the Modaks Step

Notes

  • Freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the flavor, but store-bought works in a pinch.
  • If the dough cracks while shaping, dip your fingers in water to make it easier to work with.
  • For a richer taste, toast the coconut lightly before mixing with jaggery.