It is that time of the year when people across India are gearing up to celebrate festivals back-to-back. After marking Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami, we are now looking forward to enjoying Ganesh Chaturthi. One of the biggest festivals among the Hindus, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with much grandeur, especially in Maharashtra. It is a 10-day-extravaganza, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha. This year, Ganesh Mahotsav begins on September 19, 2023, and will culminate with Ganesh Visarjan on the last day (10th day). During this stretch, devotees bring the idol of Lord Ganesha home and worship Him for prosperity and a good future.
Devotees also observe fast and prepare delicious bhog to offer to their beloved deity. They cook a wide range of sweet and savoury dishes for Lord Ganesha, which often varies from place to place. But, what remains common in every bhog thali is modak. Considered to be Lord Ganesha's favourite mithai, modak is widely prepared during this time of the year.
Quintessentially, modak is a sweet rice dumpling, prepared with rice flour, coconut, jaggery and more. If you explore, you will also find several variations of the modak recipe. Some prepare the classic Maharashtrian Ukdiche modak, some make the fried ones. Then there are some, who love chocolate modak, kesar modak and more. Click here for few such unique modak recipes.
Much has already been spoken about the popularity of modak. But did you know, there's another dish that is widely relished alongside modak during this time of the year?! You heard us. The dish is referred to as nivagrya.
Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: 7 Unique Modak Recipes To Celebrate Lord Ganesha
Ganesh Chaturthi Special Recipe: What is Nivagrya: How To make Nivagrya at home:
A disc-shaped spicy dish, nivagrya is usually prepared with leftover rice flour (used for modak). It is specially made in the Konkan region of Maharashtra and is eaten alongside modak to balance the sweet and spicy flavours. You can also pair it with evening chai and enjoy. The best part is, nivagrya follows a super easy recipe and needs just a handful of ingredients for preparation.
To make nivagrya, we need leftover rice flour, cumin seeds, green chillies, oil, water and salt to taste. First, boil water with salt and oil. Lower the flame and add rice flour to it. Mix continuously until you get a soft dough. Shift the dough to a plate and add green chillies and jeera to it. Add some salt, if needed. Some people also add some freshly chopped coriander leaves to it. Mix everything together.
Now make small discs out of the dough and steam in a momo-steamer or idli maker. Once it cools down, serve with dahi, green chilli thecha or a dollop of ghee. Sounds delicious; isn't it?
Click here for a step-by-step nivagrya recipe.
Prepare nivagrya at home and enjoy this festive season with friends and family.