Pink Modak is a beautiful twist on the traditional Indian sweet offered to Lord Ganesha, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi. The pink color often comes from natural ingredients like beetroot juice (for a vibrant, chemical-free hue) or rose syrup/gulkand (for a floral flavor and softer pink). Here are two popular, easy versions: a no-cook instant coconut rose modak (quick and beginner-friendly) and a beetroot-tinted steamed version (more traditional with natural color).

Instant No-Cook Coconut Rose Modak (Pink Rose Flavor)

This is super simple, requires no steaming, and gets its pink from rose syrup or a touch of food color/beet powder. Yields about 10-12 modaks.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups desiccated coconut (or freshly grated)
• ½–¾ cup condensed milk (adjust for sweetness)
• 2–3 tbsp rose syrup or gulkand (for flavor and pink color; add more for deeper pink)
• ¼ cup milk powder (optional, for creaminess)
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• 1–2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)
• Chopped pistachios or rose petals for garnish

Steps:

1. In a bowl, mix desiccated coconut, milk powder, cardamom powder, and powdered sugar.
2. Add condensed milk and rose syrup gradually. Mix until it forms a soft, moldable dough (not too sticky). If using food color, add a drop or two here for pink shade.
3. Grease a modak mould with a little ghee. Press the mixture firmly into the mould, filling the top part first, then the base. Level it off and unmould carefully.
4. Garnish the tip with pistachios or rose petals if desired.
5. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to set. Ready to offer!

This version is ready in under 15 minutes and has a lovely rose-coconut taste.

Natural Pink Beetroot Coconut Modak (Steamed, Healthier Option)

For a chemical-free pink color using beetroot.

Ingredients for outer shell/dough:

1–1½ cups rice flour

• 1 cup water
• 1–2 tsp ghee
• ¼–½ tsp beetroot juice or grated beetroot puree (for pink color; adjust for shade)
• Pinch of salt

For filling (classic coconut-jaggery):

• 1 cup fresh grated coconut
• ½–¾ cup jaggery (grated)
• ½ tsp cardamom powder

Optional: chopped nuts

Steps:

1. Heat water with ghee and a pinch of salt. Add beetroot juice/puree for color. Bring to a boil.
2. Lower heat, add rice flour, mix quickly to form a soft dough (cover and rest 5–10 mins).
3. For filling: Cook coconut + jaggery on low heat until it thickens and comes together. Add cardamom. Cool.
4. Grease modak mould. Take a portion of pink dough, press into mould to line it thinly. Add filling, cover with more dough, seal, and unmould.
5. Steam the shaped modaks for 10–12 minutes.
6. Cool slightly and serve as prasad.

This gives a pretty natural pink and soft texture.

Tips:

Use silicone modak moulds for easy unmoulding.

For extra fancy, garnish with edible silver leaf (varak), saffron strands, or nuts.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.

Enjoy making these pretty pink modaks — perfect for festivals or just as a delightful treat!