Pune: Fibre-rich & sugar-free modaks on foodies' platter this festival

PUNE: An assortment of "diet modaks" has sneaked into the market with a section of Puneites looking for a low-calorie celebration this Ganeshotsav.
Shifting from the traditional modaks made of steamed rice flour with a stuffed filling of freshly grated coconut and jaggery, many citizens are opting for their favourite sweet made of ragi, oats, flax seeds, cornflakes and nuts.
"In gyms and elsewhere, all you can hear these days is about modaks and sweets that people eat and then fret about the high-calorie intake. This was the reason I thought of launching the high-fibre and sugar-free modaks," said Anuja Dani.
"I use oats to make the modaks that are high on fibre and possess cholesterol lowering properties. The sugar-free modaks are made of dates - a natural sweetener," she said.
Wakad resident Megha Agrawal has baked ragi modaks on offer. "Modas are high on demand during Ganeshotsav. The baked ragi modaks have a crispy shell, with a soft coconut, 'mawa' and jaggery stuffing inside," she said.
Housewife Lekha Shah has two variants of chocolate modaks on offer. "I am making nutritional bars for the past three months. Two days before Ganeshotsav, I launched the new varieties and orders have been pouring in since then," she said.
"For one variety, I have used dark chocolate, roasted almonds, flax seeds and oats. Another variant is the orange and dark chocolate. There are also gulkand-vanilla modaks."
Pastry chef Sharvari Gokhale said, "I have used dry fruits, such as dates, as a substitute for sugar in the modaks. I also use nuts and oats to suit the clients' needs."