For Ganesh Chaturthi, special food is the highlight of the entire period of ten days. Believers celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi for wishes and wisdom. Foodies celebrate it for its culinary delights. This is the charm of food. It can outlast history and mythology and, in most cases, become the bridge back to those roots. So, in spirit of going back to our culinary roots, let us explore the delicacies that this festival, welcoming the autumn, brings with it.
Modak (sweet dumplings)
No conversation about this festival is complete without bringing up the staple favourite of Lord Ganesha. Ganesh Chaturthi is all about welcoming the God of wisdom, also called Modakpriya (fond of modak) with all the pomp and show. Historically it is difficult to point out the reason Ganesh Chaturthi is actually celebrated, there are several debates on its origin. Culinarily, however, there is a unanimous agreement on Lord Ganesha’s love for modaks. Today there are countless varieties of modak ( https://www.wethechefs.in/chefdetail/Ankur- Bhartiya) in the market during Ganesh Chaturthi. However, originally and more popularly, modaks are rice dough dumplings stuffed with coconut and jaggery, steamed to delectable perfection. The generous use of ghee in preparation adds to the enticing aroma of the sweet. Here’s another fun fact about modak, with all the nutrition dense ingredients used in the making of these tiny dumplings of joy, this happens to be wonderful, guilt free sweet dish.
Poran poli
A round flat bread stuffed with dal, jaggery and coconut is another sweet and salty
recipe that is very commonly had in Maharashtra and adjoining southern states. Once
again rich in fibre, protein, good fats and multiple other micro-nutrients, poran poli is
a rich, filling sweet and savory snack that will surely make you want to become a
believer! How else can something this simple, healthy yet delicious, exist? There is a
God. (https://www.wethechefs.in/chefdetail/Lakshmi-kini)
Karjikai
Among other prominent Ganesh Chaturthi dishes is Karjikai, also known as
Kadabus. It is a delicacy that is prepared in the Karnataka. Think of the North Indian
Gujia, but only with different stuffing. The Karjikai comes with the option of sweet as
well as salty stuffing. Depending on your taste buds, you may indulge in the local
flavour of coconut, jaggery and sesame seeds stuffed in a nicely fried puff.
Alternatively, tingle your taste buds with a combination of pulses, chillies and
coriander. Fun fact, a variant of the savoury Karjikai is often made in the northern
state of Uttar Pradesh, albeit steamed. Colloquially called pharra. Further proof that
food unites like no other!
Payasam
While listing all the Ganesh Chaturthi special dishes, one cannot miss out on
payasam. Commonly known as kheer across India, payasam has the southern touch of
coconut and jaggery in it, along with dollops of dry fruits and a rich flavour of
cardamom. Among all the foods offered to lord Ganesha during this festival, payasam
is one of the most important one. So, if you are attempting one of the Ganesh
Chaturthi special dishes, and all else fails, try out this simple, albeit sumptuous recipe
whose only ingredients are rice, milk, dry fruits, jaggery and coconut and of course
some love!
Here’s hoping the list has something that you would like to try your hands on, as you
welcome Lord Ganesha in your home and hearth this year, or if you are just too
tempted by the wafting smells from the kitchens of those who are. After all, food does
not require one to be a believer, just hungry and curious is enough!
So, if your curiosity has been piqued, go ahead and explore some of the Ganesh
Chaturthi sweet dish recipes on the site. Come back and thank us later!