7 Must-Try Vegan Recipes for a Compassionate & Delicious Ganesh Chaturthi!

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with joy and devotion across India. The festival is known for its delicious sweets and savory dishes, most notably Modaks offered to Lord Ganesha. This year, celebrate with plant-based versions of traditional favorites while spreading kindness to all beings.

Ukadiche Modak — The Ultimate Offering

Modaks are a Ganesh Chaturthi staple! This dairy-free version uses coconut and jaggery filling wrapped in rice flour dough.

Ingredients

• For filling:
  • 1 cup grated coconut
  • 3/4 cup jaggery (grated)
  • 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
• For dough:
  • 1 cup rice flour
  • 1.25 cups water
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp coconut oil

Method

1. Prepare the filling by heating the coconut oil in a pan. 
2. Add grated coconut and jaggery. Cook on medium heat, stirring continuously until the jaggery melts and the mixture thickens (about 5–7 minutes). 
3. Add cardamom powder and mix well. Set aside to let the filling cool completely.
4. Prepare the dough by boiling the water with salt and coconut oil. Lower the heat, add rice flour, and stir continuously until it forms a smooth dough. 
5. Cover and let it rest for 5 minutes.
6. Knead the dough while it’s still warm until smooth and pliable. Divide the dough into small balls.
7. Flatten each ball into a small disc, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and shape into a modak by bringing the edges together and sealing well.
8. Steam the modaks for 10–12 minutes until they appear glossy and cooked through. Serve warm.

Puran Poli — Sweet, Soft, & Indulgent

A classic Maharashtrian sweet flatbread stuffed with a delicious chana dal and jaggery filling.

Ingredients 

• For filling:
  • 1 cup chana dal (soaked and cooked)
  • 3/4 cup jaggery
  • 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
• For dough:
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • Water (as needed)
  • Salt to taste

Method

1. Prepare the filling by cooking chana dal until it is soft (about 20–25 minutes). 
2. Drain and mash well. 
3. Add jaggery and cook over medium heat until thickened (about 10 minutes). 
4. Add cardamom powder and mix well. Let the filling cool completely.
5. Prepare the dough by mixing flour, salt, and coconut oil. 
6. Add water gradually to form a soft, smooth dough. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
7. Divide the dough into balls and flatten each ball. 
8. Place the filling in the center, seal the edges, and roll gently into a flat disc.
9. Cook on a hot pan with a little oil until golden brown on both sides. Serve warm.

Karanji — Flaky Sweet Dumplings

These deep-fried pastries are filled with sweetened coconut and nuts for a perfect festive treat.

Ingredients 

• For filling:
  • 1 cup grated coconut
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar or jaggery
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds)
  • 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
• For dough:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tbsp coconut oil
  • Water (as needed)
  • Pinch of salt

Method

1. Prepare the dough by mixing flour, salt, and coconut oil. 
2. Gradually add water to form a firm dough. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. Prepare the filling by mixing coconut, sugar or jaggery, nuts, and cardamom powder thoroughly.
4. Divide the dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a circle and place filling in the center. 
5. Fold and seal the edges by pressing firmly or using a fork.
6. Heat oil in a pan and deep fry the karanjis until golden brown and crisp. 
7. Drain excess oil and let cool before serving.

Fried Modak — Golden & Crispy

This variation of modak is deep-fried for a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the delicious coconut-jaggery filling inside.

Ingredients

• For filling:
  • 1 cup grated coconut
  • 3/4 cup jaggery (grated)
  • 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
• For dough:
  • 1.5 cups whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • Water (as needed)
  • Pinch of salt

Method

1. Heat coconut oil in a pan. Add grated coconut and jaggery. Cook until the jaggery melts and the mixture thickens (about 5–7 minutes). Add cardamom powder. Let it cool.
2. Mix flour, salt, and coconut oil in a mixing bowl. Gradually add water to form a smooth, firm dough. Let it rest for 20–30 minutes.
3. Divide the dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a small disc.
4. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each disc and shape into a modak.
5. Seal the edges carefully and ensure there are no cracks.
6. Heat oil in a pan and deep fry the modaks on medium heat until golden brown.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve once cooled slightly.

Coconut Laddoo — Easy & Delicious

A simple yet delightful dessert made with coconut and jaggery.

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated coconut
• 3/4 cup jaggery
• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Method

1. Heat coconut oil in a pan. Add grated coconut and jaggery. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan (about 10 minutes).
2. Add cardamom powder and mix well.
3. Shape into small laddoos while the mixture is still warm. Let them cool completely before serving.

Shrikhand — Creamy & Indulgent

A rich, creamy dessert made with plant-based yogurt flavored with saffron and cardamom.

Ingredients

• 2 cups thick cashew or peanut curd
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• A few saffron strands (soaked in 2 tbsp almond milk)
• Chopped nuts for garnish

Method

1. Whisk curd until smooth. Add sugar, cardamom, and soaked saffron.
2. Mix well and refrigerate for 2 hours to let the flavors blend.
3. Garnish with nuts before serving.

Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with Compassion and Joy!

Enjoy these delightful vegan dishes while celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with love and kindness. Want more plant-based recipes and support from fellow vegans? Join our Facebook community and follow our Instagram page!

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!