Sasmita Savory Semolina Modak with Hemp Seeds is the perfect fusion modak (NO Steaming) with savory twist using semolina aka sooji.
Also, just a perfect treat to try on the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi !
Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most auspicious festivals in the Hindu calendar is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is the God of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Hence, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with much fervor. This festival is celebrated for 10 days. Devotees gather in huge, decked-up pandals to offer their prayers or even bring an idol of Lord Ganesha to home and do the puja at home along with offerings.
Like every other festival, Ganesh Chaturthi is also marked by an array of delicious dishes. Modak is the most popular dish made during this festival. It is Ganpati Bappa’s most favorite food, hence it is offered to him as a prasad (bhog) along with other sweets and savory Ganesh Chaturthi special recipes.
Modak !!
Modak is also known as modakam, kudumu, kudubu or kozhakkattai in other Indian languages.
Well, modak is nothing but a sweet dumpling filled with grated coconut, chopped dry fruits, and sweetened by jaggery. These are undoubted, a delight to relish!
While there are many types and flavors of modaks one can find these days in the market, but homemade modaks are always a better choice as per hygiene !
Savory Semolina Modak with Hemp Seeds –
The shape of the modak is very much similar to the traditional rice flour modak (steamed) akd ukadiche modak. But this modak has no stuffing in it and is prepared using only semolina, no other flours. Also, the semolina modak here is a completely savory one.
There are two types of sooji available in the market, one is fine semolina and the other is coarse type. But for this recipe, fine verity is the perfect one. If still using the coarse one, then first grind it in a blender and then use it.
The hemp seeds here add a nice crunch in the modak here. Hey, do you know about these seeds? Check some more details about hemp seeds in my Noodle Salad post.
How one can make these modaks ?
First, dry roast the hemp seeds lightly in a pan and keep them aside. Then in the same pan, dry roast the sooji/semolina over low-medium heat, stirring in between. When the sooji starts to change the color slightly, turn off the heat and transfer to a plate.
Into the same pan, add oil, and turn on the heat. Add cumin seeds and allow them to splutter. Next add grated ginger, finely chopped green chilies, and saute few seconds. Now pour water along with salt and coconut. Stir well and allow to boil.
When it comes to a rolling boil, lower the heat. Add roasted semolina slowly, stirring continuously to avoid lump formation. Cover and allow to cook for 2-3 minutes. Soon all the water will be absorbed by the sooji. Turn off heat and transfer the mixture into a mixing bowl.
When it is still warm, start kneading it with greased palm and prepare a smooth dough. Then add the roasted hemp seeds to the dough and again mix everything till well incorporated. Now take a modak mold and grease well. Take a small amount of the dough and insert it tightly into the mold till the mold is filled completely from all the sides.
At last, carefully open the mold. Gently demould the modak and place it over a plate. Similarly, make some more modaks from the rest of the dough. The savory semolina modak with hemp seeds is ready to serve!
💡 Some TIPS :- ✔ Ghee or oil, anything fits well. I have used oil to keep the recipe completely VEGAN. If preparing as an offering to the deity, use ghee. ✔ No need to steam this modak again as we do in rice flour modak. The semolina is already cooked very nicely. ✔ Do not let the semolina mixture cool down completely. Start kneading while it is still warm. Or even for ease, just dip palm in water and knead. In this case, then there is no need of greasing the palm. ✔ Milk also can be added along with water. Just use a 1:1 ratio of water to milk. ✔ If hemp seed is not available, then just skip that. Also one can use roasted sesame seeds too instead of hemp seeds.
📖 RECIPE CARD
Savory Semolina Modak with Hemp Seeds (NO STEAMING)
Ingredients
- ½ cup Semolina (sooji)
- ½ inch Ginger (grated)
- 2 no. Green chili (finely chopped)
- ½ tsp Cumin seed
- ½ tbsp Coconut (grated)
- 1 tbsp Hemp seed
- 1 tbsp Oil
- Salt as needed
Instructions
- First dry roast the hemp seeds lightly in a pan and keep aside.
- Then in the same pan, dry roast the sooji / semolina over low-medium heat, stirring in between.
- When the sooji starts to change the color slightly, turn off heat and transfer to a plate.
- Into the same pan, add oil and turn on the heat.
- Add cumin seeds and allow to splutter.
- Next add grated ginger, finely chopped green chilies and saute few seconds.
- Now pour water along with salt and coconut.
- Stir well and allow to boil.
- When it comes to rolling boil, lower the heat.
- Add roasted semolina slowly, stirring continuously to avoid lump formation.
- Cover and allow to cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Soon all the water will be absorbed by the sooji.
- Turn off heat and transfer the mixture into a mixing bowl.
- When it is still warm, start kneading it with greased palm and prepare a smooth dough.
- Then add the roasted hemp seeds to the dough and again mix everything till well incorporated.
- Now take a modak mold and grease well.
- Take small amount of the dough and insert tightly into the mold till the mold is filled completely from all the sides.
- Atlast, carefully open the mold. Gently demolud the modak and place over a plate.
- Similarly make some more modaks from rest of the dough.
- The savory semolina modak with hemp seeds are ready to serve !
Notes
- I have used oil to keep the recipe completely VEGAN. Ghee fits perfectly here instead of oil. And also for offering to the deity,
ghee can be preferred. - No need to steam this modak again as we do in rice flour modak. The semolina is already cooked very nicely.
- Do not let the semolina mixture cool down completely. Start kneading while it is still warm. Or even for ease, just dip palm in water and knead. In this case, then there is no need of greasing the palm.
- Adjust the spiciness as desired.
- Milk also can be added along with water. Just use a 1:1 ratio of water to milk.
- If hemp seed is not available, then just skip that. Also one can use roasted sesame seeds too instead of hemp seeds.
- There are two types of sooji available in the market, one is fine semolina and the other is coarse type. But for this recipe, fine verity is the perfect one. If still using the coarse one, then first grind it in a blender and then use it.
You may also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram and can subscribe for free to get new recipes directly into your inbox 😊
Very innovative savoury Modak Sasmita. Adding hemp seeds sounds fabulous. I am sure it tastes amazing. I love savoury stuff and would love to try this one.
What a lovely idea to use rava to make modaks! Love your savoury version.. they look so perfectly made and delicious! The hemp seeds are a very interesting addition.
I make suji modak but with the coconut jaggery stuffing. Loved your savory no stuff version with the crunch from hemp seeds! Sounds interesting!
Very nice idea to make savoury modaks for bappa.. in light humor, he needs it after having too much meetha 😉 !! Jokes apart these look so delicious and so inviting. loved the addition of hemp seeds which enhances it’s nutrition value too. A must try dish