Ganesh Chaturthi the healthy way with Protein Modaks

We all think that festivals are a time of saying goodbye to diets and hello to all the rich, oozy, sweet, savoury delicacies prepared by our mothers, grandmothers and not to forget the countless relatives we visit. In the new normal, sticking to a diet has instilled a new level of discipline in the people who sadly have to pass up on all the sweets during the festive season. The guilt that comes with consuming copious amounts of food can be overwhelming for the healthy body that you have been working on. For the people who have a sweet tooth, passing up on sweets can be more painful than heartbreak.

The solution? Make your own protein modaks this Ganesh Chaturthi and welcome Bappa to your house the healthy way. We are putting our own spin on Bappa’s favourite food with healthy fats and guilt-free indulgence.

The benefits of protein modaks:
Ragi is rich in fibre and minerals making it more beneficial than rice flour or atta. The presence of antioxidants helps build strong immunity and fight against fatigue. The coconut powder helps to regulate blood sugar levels. The almonds and cashews add a rich taste upping the protein quotient.

The GNC Pro Performance adds a boost of protein and flavour. It’s the Vighnaharta of all our worries of losing muscle mass while we do our cardio sessions. The protein powder is safe and free of additives and banned substances which make it great for gut and heart health.

Ingredients
Makes about 10 Modaks

• 1 cup Ragi flour
• 1 cup Peanuts
• A couple of Almonds and Cashews
• 1 cup Dates
• 4 tsp Coconut Powder
• 4 Elaichi
• One scoop of GNC Pro Performance 100% Whey Protein (Chocolate Supreme)
• A few tablespoons of Ghee

Method
Roast the Ragi flour until it gives off a slight aroma and then takes it off the heat. Next, roast the coconut powder on low flame for a minute, ensuring that the coconut powder does not change colour. In a blender jar add the dates, peanuts, coconut powder, Ragi flour and one scoop of GNC whey protein and blend until they are well-combined. Take out the mixture and put ghee in it as you fold it in until you receive the consistency required to make modaks i.e thicker than a paste but denser than a crumble. Place it in a Modak mould once it has cooled. Deftly press down on every Modak to create the perfect shape. The whey protein gives it a nice chocolate flavour without the extra calories coming in the way of your goals. Alternatively, you can also use GNC Pro Performance 100% whey protein in Vanilla that will give it a fresh taste like frosting.

Do not be afraid to use ghee in your protein modaks as ghee is a great source of healthy fats and helps to bind the ingredients together. You can also use jaggery or stevia to make it sweeter according to your taste. Garnish with a few Almonds and Voila! Enjoy the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, indulging your sweet tooth without a shred of guilt.