Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone’s fitness trainer, shares sugar-free modak recipe for Ganesh Chaturthi

Festive celebrations often bring with them the joy of traditional sweets, but enjoying your favourite treats does not always have to mean compromising on mindful eating. With health-conscious recipes gaining popularity, there are plenty of ways to make festive indulgences more nutritious without taking away from their taste and appeal. Celebrity fitness and nutrition expert Yasmin Karachiwala, who works with Bollywood stars including Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone, has shared a healthy and nutritious sugar-free modak recipe that you can enjoy without guilt this Ganesh Chaturthi. This festive treat offers a smarter twist for those looking to celebrate while staying mindful of their health.

Healthy modaks: Ingredients required

Handful of cashews

Handful of almonds


Handful of walnuts

Handful of pistachios

Dates (6–8 pieces) depending on size; if small, use more

Soaked figs

Ghee (optional)

For Seasoning:

Rose petals

Sesame seeds

Healthy modaks: How to make

To prepare the healthy modaks at home, first, the nuts of choice should be lightly roasted for a few minutes until they turn fragrant. Meanwhile, 5–8 dates and a few dried fig rings should be kept ready. The dried figs should be soaked in water for around five minutes to soften them before they are added to the mixture.

Once the figs have softened, the roasted nuts, dates and figs should be transferred to a grinder and blended until they come together into a smooth, dough-like mixture. The mixture should be soft enough to hold its shape while being pressed into the mould.

Next, a modak mould should be lightly brushed with ghee. A few rose petals and sesame seeds can then be placed at the base of the mould to add a subtle floral touch and a little crunch to the modaks.

The prepared nut-and-date mixture should then be filled into the mould and pressed firmly so that it takes the desired modak shape. The mould should be opened carefully to remove the modak without breaking its shape.

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Finally, the prepared modaks should be placed in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to help them firm up. Once set, these healthy, naturally sweetened modaks are ready to be served as a festive offering to Ganpati Bappa.