Want guilt-free modaks this Ganesh Chaturthi? Mumbai nutritionist shares healthy recipe with 5g protein and 3.7g fibre

Ganesh Chaturthi is incomplete without modaks, the beloved festive sweet traditionally offered to Lord Ganesha and enjoyed by families across India. Soft, indulgent and packed with rich flavours, modaks are one of the biggest highlights of the celebrations. However, many traditional festive sweets can also be loaded with sugar, ghee and calories, making it harder for those trying to balance festive indulgence with healthier eating habits. This Ganesh Chaturthi, a simple twist can make the festive favourite more wholesome. Mumbai nutritionist Vanshika Khurana recently shared a video on Instagram featuring healthy modaks packed with 5g protein and 3.7g fibre per piece.

Modak recipe: Ingredients required (10 pieces)

200g raw yellow moong dal

1½ tbsp ghee


1.5-2 tbsp unsweetened almond butter

Zero-calorie sweetener, to taste

Modak recipe: How to make

To prepare the modaks, first wash the raw yellow moong dal thoroughly under running water to remove any impurities. It should then be drained well, ensuring that there is no excess moisture left. Once drained, the moong dal needs to be dry roasted in a pan over medium heat. It should be roasted patiently until the dal develops a light golden-brown colour and releases a distinct roasted aroma.

After roasting, the dal should be removed from the heat and allowed to cool slightly. It can then be transferred to a mixer and ground into a fine powder, which will form the base of the mixture. Next, 1½ tablespoons of ghee should be heated in a pan before adding the powdered moong dal.

The mixture should be roasted again over low to medium heat, stirring continuously so that it cooks evenly and does not burn. It should be allowed to roast until it becomes fragrant and takes on a light brown colour.

Once the mixture reaches the desired colour and aroma, the pan should be removed from the heat and the contents allowed to cool slightly. Two tablespoons of unsweetened almond butter can then be added along with a zero-calorie sweetener according to taste. Around two tablespoons of sweetener were used in the original recipe, although the quantity can be adjusted depending on the desired level of sweetness.

All the ingredients should be mixed thoroughly until they come together into a soft, cohesive mixture. If the mixture appears too dry or does not hold its shape while being rolled, a little more almond butter can be incorporated to help with binding. Finally, the prepared mixture should be divided evenly into 10 portions.

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A post shared by Vanshika Khurana (@fit.khurana)

Each portion can then be rolled and shaped into a smooth laddoo. These portions can subsequently be moulded into a modak shape if desired, giving the festive sweet its traditional appearance.