Ingredients
Makes 14 modaks. Scale using the Modak Calculator. Tap any ingredient to tick it off.
Method
Soften figs if needed
If figs are very dry and hard, soak in warm water 15 minutes, drain completely, pat dry thoroughly. Medjool dates should be naturally soft — no soaking needed.
Blend figs and dates
Pulse figs and dates together in a food processor for 20–30 seconds until a sticky paste forms. The mixture will be deep brown, intensely sweet-smelling, and slightly fibrous.
Mix with nuts and spice
Transfer to a bowl. Add chopped cashews, almonds, walnuts, cardamom, and cinnamon. Mix with oiled hands until thoroughly combined. The mixture should hold its shape when pressed.
Shape
25–30g portions. Shape firmly by hand into the modak form — press hard, hold for a few seconds. Roll in sesame seeds if desired. The sesame adds a pleasant nuttiness and a light textural coating.
Chill and serve
Refrigerate 30 minutes on parchment paper. The sugar in the figs and dates sets the modak as it cools. Serve at room temperature — the fig aroma is strongest at room temp.
Tips & Variations
Dried figs are high in calcium, iron, and fibre. At 3.8g fibre per modak, anjeer modak is second only to jawas modak in fibre content. A genuinely functional food in festival sweet form.
Dry fruit modak uses a mix of fruits (dates, figs, raisins) and several nuts. Anjeer modak is fig-forward — figs are the majority ingredient and the defining flavour. The result is more distinctly fig-flavoured, slightly more complex and less immediately sweet.
3–4 weeks at room temperature in a cool, dry place. 6–8 weeks refrigerated. The low moisture content and natural antimicrobial properties of figs make this one of the most shelf-stable varieties.
About This Recipe
Anjeer modak belongs to the Indian tradition of fruit-and-nut sweets that are both festive and medicinal — dried figs have been valued in Ayurveda for digestive health, iron content, and as a gentle energy food. In combination with dates, cashews, and walnuts, the result is a modak that is extraordinarily nutritious without any compromise in the eating experience.