Rice Modak (Coconut Pastries) I

1. Make the filling, following the same method as the wheat flour modak.

2. Heat 2 cups of the water in a large pot/vessel and then add salt and butter.

3. As the water starts boiling, add rice flour to the water. Lower heat. Mix well. The mixture should be a smooth paste; there should be no lumps. If mixture is becoming too dry then add the remaining ½ cup water. Keep heating on low heat until rice flour is cooked.

4. Cover the mixture with a lid and remove from the heat. Let it cook in its own steam.

5. While it is still warm rub some ghee on your palms and take a small portion of the dough. Make a ball out of it. With your thumb shape the ball into a cup. Put 2 teaspoons of the filling and close the ends in a manner to get the shape of a fresh fig.

6. Make 10 modaks and place them in a colander or steamer basket greased with ghee. Place the modak in such a way that they do not touch one another in the colander.

7. Place the colander in a steamer and steam the modaks for 10 minutes.

8. Dribble with a teaspoon of ghee, and serve hot.