Steamed Rice Pancakes with Coconut & Jaggery Filling (Ela Ada)
Description:
Ela Ada is a traditional Kerala delicacy, cherished for its unique preparation and delightful flavors. This sweet treat is crafted with fresh grated coconut and jaggery encased in a soft rice flour dough, then steamed to perfection inside a banana leaf. A staple during Onam and other Kerala festivities, Ela Ada pairs beautifully with a traditional Kerala sadhya or can be enjoyed as a standalone snack.
Cuisine: Kerala Recipes
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice flour | 1 cup |
| Water | 1 1/2 cups |
| Fresh coconut, grated | 1/2 cup |
| Jaggery, grated | 1/4 cup |
| Cardamom powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Banana leaf, cut into pieces | 5 pieces |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
Preparation & Cooking Time
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 14 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 34 minutes |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Dough
- Heat a pan and bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil.
- Gradually add the boiling water to the rice flour in a mixing bowl. Stir continuously with a wooden spatula to avoid lumps.
- Once the mixture is warm enough to handle, knead it into a soft, smooth dough using your hands. Cover and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Coconut and Jaggery Filling
- In a bowl, mix grated coconut, grated jaggery, and cardamom powder.
- Use your hands to combine the mixture thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of sweetness and flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Ela Ada
- Take a banana leaf piece and place a lemon-sized portion of the rice dough in the center.
- Wet your fingers with water or ghee, and flatten the dough evenly on the banana leaf to create a thin, circular layer.
- Spoon a teaspoon of the coconut-jaggery mixture onto one side of the flattened dough.
- Fold the banana leaf over, covering the filling with the dough, and press gently to seal the edges.
Step 4: Steam the Ela Ada
- Arrange the prepared Ela Ada in a steamer or idli cooker.
- Steam on high heat for 10 minutes. The banana leaf will impart a subtle, earthy aroma to the pancakes as they cook.
- Once done, turn off the heat and carefully remove the Ela Ada. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the warm Ela Ada as a dessert or snack during Onam or any festive occasion. For a complete Kerala meal experience, pair Ela Ada with:
- Kerala Style Avial Recipe
- Kerala Kadala Curry Recipe
- Kerala Style Appam Recipe
Ela Ada can be enjoyed at room temperature as well, making it a versatile dish perfect for any time of the day.
Pro Tip: Use fresh banana leaves to enhance the authentic taste and aroma of this traditional recipe. Lightly warming the banana leaves over an open flame makes them more pliable and easier to fold.
Enjoy the timeless flavors of Kerala with this delectable Ela Ada recipe!
