Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: How to Make Nivagrya, a Delicious Maharashtrian Dish for Ganeshotsav

GANESH CHATURTHI 2023: Commencing on September 19 and concluding with Ganesh Visarjan on September 28, Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day celebration marking Lord Ganesha’s birth. Devotees bring Lord Ganesha’s idol into their homes or pandals and perform daily rituals including puja, aarti, and prasad distribution. Sweets, particularly modaks, which are Lord Ganesha’s favourite, are prepared and offered to him during this auspicious period. Ganesh Chaturthi holds great importance in Maharashtra and is a time for seeking blessings for wealth and a prosperous future.

What Is Modak?

Modak is a rice flour-based sweet dumpling. It contains coconut and jaggery. Modak recipes vary across India due to cultural differences. While some people cook modaks for bhog, others prepare chocolate, coconut, kesar, or mawa modak. When preparing these recipes, it is common to have some leftover components. In Maharashtra, the leftover rice flour dough from the outer coating of modaks is used to make Nivagrya.

What Is Nivagrya?

Nivagrya is a hot, steaming pancake in the form of a disc. To balance the spiciness of the Nivagrya with the sweetness of the modak, it is traditionally prepared in Maharashtra’s Konkan area. You can also enjoy it with evening chai. The best part is that nivagrya has a simple recipe that requires only a few ingredients to prepare.

The leftover rice flour is the most significant ingredient in this 4-step method. Cumin seeds and green chillies will add flavour to this dish. Apart from that, you’ll need oil, water, and a pinch of salt.

Maharashtrian Nivagrya: Check The Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1: Bring some water, salt, and oil to a boil. Reduce the heat and gently stir in the rice flour. To avoid lumps, stir constantly.

Step 2: Stir constantly until a soft dough is formed. Place the dough on a platter and sprinkle with green chillies, cumin seeds, salt (to taste), and coriander leaves. Then, mix everything together nicely.

Step 3: The dough must be divided into small discs and steamed in an idli maker or steamer.

Step 4: Allow it to cool before serving with dahi, thecha, ghee, or simply green chillies.

On this Ganesh Chaturthi, offer this delectable dish to Bappa and seek his blessings.