Description

Banana Ada is a traditional steamed sweet made with soft rice dough filled with a fragrant mixture of banana, coconut, jaggery, and cardamom. It is light, comforting, and perfect as a homemade snack or festive treat.

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1 cup grated coconut

1/2 cup grated jaggery or brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

1 pinch salt

1 cup rice flour

1 1/4 cups water

1 teaspoon ghee

Banana leaves, cut into small rectangles

1 teaspoon coconut oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a pan over low heat, combine mashed bananas, grated coconut, jaggery, cardamom powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring gently, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
In another pan, bring water to a gentle boil with ghee and a pinch of salt.
Reduce heat and gradually add rice flour, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms. Turn off heat and let cool slightly.
Knead the warm dough until smooth and soft, greasing hands lightly with coconut oil if needed.
Lightly warm banana leaves over a flame or hot surface to make them flexible.
Take a small portion of dough and flatten it into a thin oval shape on a banana leaf.
Place a spoonful of filling in the center and fold the leaf over to seal.
Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
Arrange in a steamer and steam for 10 to 12 minutes until cooked through and aromatic.
Remove, cool slightly, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Brown sugar can be used instead of jaggery for a milder sweetness.

Add a pinch of dry ginger powder for extra warmth.

Parchment paper can substitute banana leaves, though leaves add better aroma.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat by steaming briefly to restore softness; avoid over-microwaving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Steaming
Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 60 mg
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 2 mg