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kisar malai modak and Peda garnished with saffron and pistachios.
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5 from 1 vote

Malai Modak Recipe | Easy Ricotta Cheese Modak

These easy Malai Modaks are made with ricotta cheese for a quick shortcut to the traditional khoya version. Soft, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth, they’re perfect for Ganesh Chaturthi or shaped into laddus and pedas for any celebration or last-minute dessert!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Hindu, Vegetarian
Servings: 15 Modak
Calories: 99kcal
Author: Archana Mundhe

Equipment

Recipe Video

Ingredients

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese highly recommend Galbani brand for creamy texture
  • ½ teaspoon saffron strands
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 1 teaspoon ghee
  • Optional garnish: thinly sliced pistachios

Instructions

  • Warm the heavy cream for 30 seconds and add saffron strands. Set aside to infuse the flavor and color.
  • In a non-stick pan, add ricotta cheese and cook on medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring continuously, to remove excess moisture.
  • Add the saffron-infused cream and stir well.
  • Cook on low heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and begins to leave the sides of the pan, about 10–12 minutes. Note: Do not overcook as the modaks may become dry.
  • Reduce heat to low. Add powdered sugar and cardamom powder.
  • Mix until the sugar dissolves completely, and continue cooking just until the mixture thickens into a dough-like consistency.
  • Stir in ghee and mix well. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
  • Grease modak mold lightly with ghee. Take small portions of the mixture, roll into smooth balls, and press into the mold to shape. Garnish the tips with sliced pistachios.
  • No Modak mold? Simply roll the mixture into round laddus, or flatten them slightly to make pedas. Add a small dent in the center using the back of a marker or highlighter, then garnish with sliced pistachios.
  • Continue shaping until all the mixture is used.

Nutrition

Calories: 99kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 44mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 0.02g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 244IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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