Steamed Banana Ada is a traditional South Indian delicacy that brings the perfect balance of natural sweetness and healthy ingredients wrapped in a fragrant banana leaf. This dish, cherished in many homes, is a wholesome treat made using rice flour, jaggery, and ripe bananas. At TrendyAngel Kitchen, where we focus on natural, simple ingredients, this dish holds a special place as it embodies the fusion of tradition and health in every bite.
Banana Ada, or “Ela Ada” as it is fondly called in Kerala, is a nostalgic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. In many South Indian households, especially during festive occasions, you’ll find the fragrant steam rising from banana leaves, signaling that a batch of ada is almost ready. Each time I prepare this dish, I’m reminded of the warmth of home and the love that goes into preparing food by hand, much like how my mother and grandmother did.
At TrendyAngel Kitchen, our aim is to preserve such time-honored recipes while making them easy and approachable for today’s cooks. We believe that food connects us to our roots, and by revisiting these recipes, we keep traditions alive while ensuring they fit into the modern kitchen. Steamed Banana Ada is an ideal example of a dish that is healthy, vegetarian, and comforting, perfect for anyone who enjoys indulging in sweet treats without feeling guilty.
What makes Banana Ada special is its simplicity and the use of natural ingredients. This dish is made using wheat flour for the outer covering, while the filling inside consists of mashed ripe bananas, jaggery, and a hint of cardamom for flavor. The ada is then wrapped in a banana leaf, which not only lends its signature aroma but also locks in the flavors, making it a uniquely fragrant and delicious snack.
Banana Ada is particularly loved for its subtle sweetness and the soft texture that the steamed wheat flour creates. It’s a nutritious and healthy dessert that relies on the natural sweetness of bananas and jaggery, making it an excellent option for those looking to avoid processed sugars. And since it is steamed, it retains the nutrients of the ingredients, unlike fried or baked treats.
At TrendyAngel Kitchen, our philosophy is to create dishes using simple ingredients that are easily accessible. In this recipe, rice flour, ripe bananas, and jaggery are the core ingredients. Each of these ingredients is a staple in South Indian homes and has been used in traditional cooking for centuries.
- Wheat Flour: Wheat flour is gluten-free, making this dish a great option for those who follow a gluten-free diet.
- Bananas: Ripe bananas from the heart of the filling, lending natural sweetness and a soft texture. Bananas are rich in potassium and vitamins, making this a healthy treat.
- Jaggery: Instead of sugar, we use jaggery in the filling. Jaggery is an unrefined natural sweetener that retains many minerals and nutrients lost in the refining process of sugar. It gives the ada a deep, rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the bananas.
- Banana Leaves: Wrapping the ada in banana leaves before steaming is what gives this dish its unique flavor. Banana leaves, traditionally used in South Indian cooking, impart an earthy aroma to the ada as they steam. This also makes the dish visually appealing, as you unwrap the warm, fragrant parcels to reveal the delicious treat inside.
One of the reasons Steamed Banana Ada stands out in TrendyAngel Kitchen is because it’s a dessert that aligns with our goal of promoting health through natural ingredients. As a vegetarian food blog, we are committed to offering recipes that are nutritious and free from processed ingredients. The use of jaggery, bananas, and rice flour makes this dish not only a sweet indulgence but also a nourishing snack or dessert option.
Banana Ada can be enjoyed as a mid-morning snack, a light dessert after meals, or even as a breakfast option. The steaming process preserves the nutrients of the ingredients, making this a low-calorie, high-energy dish that is perfect for anyone looking for a quick energy boost during the day.
For me, cooking has always been an emotional journey, something that connects me to my past, my family, and my heritage. The traditional recipes I grew up with, like Banana Ada, hold a special place in my heart. My love for cooking is deeply rooted in the experiences I’ve had watching my grandmother and mother prepare these dishes with so much love and care.
At TrendyAngel Kitchen, I believe that every dish carries a story, and food is more than just sustenance; it’s an expression of love and creativity. Preparing food with intention and care transforms even the simplest recipe into something special. This is why I started my YouTube channel – to share recipes that are healthy not just for the body, but also for the soul.
Although Steamed Banana Ada is a traditional dish, it’s surprisingly adaptable to the modern kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy techniques, it’s a recipe that can be prepared by anyone, even those new to cooking. The ingredients are easily found in most pantries, and the cooking process, though traditional, is straightforward and hassle-free.
For busy home cooks or anyone looking for a healthy, homemade snack, Banana Ada is a perfect choice. It takes just a little time to prepare, and the result is a wholesome, naturally sweet treat that the whole family can enjoy. Plus, the joy of opening the banana leaf to reveal the soft, fragrant ada is something that never gets old.
At TrendyAngel Kitchen, our goal is to bring you recipes that are made with love and simple ingredients. Our focus is on creating dishes that are healthy, traditional, modern, and regional – all while being easy to prepare. I’ve always believed that the secret to delicious food isn’t in complicated techniques or fancy ingredients, but in the heart and love you put into cooking. When you cook with passion, even the simplest dish can become extraordinary.
Through the recipes we share on TrendyAngel Kitchen, we hope to inspire you to explore the joy of vegetarian cooking. We want to encourage you to try out traditional recipes like Banana Ada and discover the beauty of homemade, natural, and healthy food. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, remember that practice makes perfect, and each dish you prepare brings you closer to mastering the art of cooking.
I invite you to join us on this culinary journey where we explore the world of vegetarian food, traditional recipes, and healthy living. At TrendyAngel Kitchen, we believe that food should nourish both the body and soul, and we are here to share recipes that reflect that philosophy.
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Let’s cook with heart, eat with joy, and stay healthy, one delicious dish at a time!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Take ripen banana peel the skin and chop into small pieces.
- In a pan, heat ghee and add chopped ripen banana saute for 5 minutes or until it starts to mushy.
- In a mixing bowl add sauted banana and smash well.
- Add jaggery, grated coconut, cardamom powder, salt and mix well.
- Add wheat flour and combine everything.
- In a clean banana leaf and spread uniformly.
- Fold into all the sides.
- Steam for 15-20 minutes, or until the ada is cooked through and firm to the touch.
- Serve hot with a dollop of ghee or spicy chutney.