modaka, an ancient sweet that may date back to around 200 b.c.e., is a stuffed dumpling especially popular in western and southern India. The dough is made of rice or wheat flour shaped into little packages that are filled with grated coconut; jaggery (unrefined sugar); nuts (often cashews); sometimes khoa (milk solids, made by boiling down milk); and cardamom powder. Modern versions incorporate ingredients such as chocolate, mango, almonds, paneer, tomatoes, chopped nuts, and dates. They can be steamed and served with ghee (clarified butter) or deep-fried.
