Gram Flour Pistachio Modak

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1/2 cup powdered jaggery (or as per taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• Modak mold (for shaping the modaks)

Instructions:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a pan and roast the gram flour (besan) on low heat until it turns aromatic and changes color slightly. Make sure to stir continuously to avoid burning. Remove it from heat and let it cool.
• In the same pan, heat another tablespoon of ghee and add the chopped pistachios. Roast them for a few minutes until they become fragrant. Remove from heat and keep aside.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted gram flour, powdered jaggery, roasted pistachios, cardamom powder, and saffron strands. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
• Heat a small amount of ghee in a pan and add the gram flour mixture. Cook it on low heat for a few minutes until the jaggery melts and the mixture comes together like a dough. Stir continuously to prevent sticking.
• Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Once it is cool enough to handle, knead it gently to form a smooth dough.
• Take a small portion of the dough and shape it into a ball. Grease the modak mold with ghee and press the dough into it, creating a cavity in the center. Remove any excess dough from the mold.
• Gently remove the modak from the mold and repeat the process with the remaining dough to make more modaks.
• Allow the modaks to cool completely before serving. They can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.