Banana Ada

Soft, mildly spiced, and packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and jaggery, Banana Ada is a delicious South Indian delicacy wrapped in fragrant banana leaves and steamed to perfection.

The combination of roasted semolina, coconut, and nuts gives it a delightful texture, making it a perfect tea-time snack or festive treat.

A Dish Rooted in Tradition

Banana Ada is a beloved treat from Kerala’s rich culinary heritage, where steaming food wrapped in banana leaves is a time-honored tradition. At the heart of this dish is the Nendran banana, a variety that holds a special place in Kerala’s cuisine.

Why Nendran Bananas?

Nendran bananas are firm, mildly sweet, and packed with nutrients, making them ideal for both sweet and savory dishes. Unlike regular bananas, they have a dense texture that holds up well to steaming, roasting, and frying, making them a key ingredient in Kerala delicacies like Pazham Pori (banana fritters), Ethakka Upperi (banana chips), and Kootu Curry.

Health Benefits of Nendran Bananas

• Rich in Fiber – Supports digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer.
• Natural Energy Booster – Loaded with complex carbohydrates, making them great for sustained energy.
• Packed with Vitamins & Minerals – A great source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, essential for heart health and immunity.
• Good for Gut Health – Contains prebiotics that promote healthy digestion.

Because of their nutritional value and versatility, Nendran bananas are a staple in Kerala homes and are often used in both traditional sweets and everyday meals. Their natural sweetness and firm texture make them perfect for dishes like Banana Ada, where they blend beautifully with jaggery, coconut, and cardamom, creating a wholesome, satisfying treat.

What Goes Into the Perfect Banana Ada?

Each ingredient plays a key role in bringing out the rich taste and texture of this dish

• Bananas – The heart of the dish! Ripe Nendran bananas give the ada its natural sweetness and soft texture.
• Jaggery – Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and richness while being a healthier alternative to sugar.
• Semolina (Rava) – Gives structure to the filling while keeping it light and slightly grainy.
• Rice Flour – Helps bind everything together and adds a mild chewiness.
• Fresh Coconut – Enhances the flavor with a mild sweetness and nuttiness.
• Cashews & Raisins – Give a delightful crunch and bursts of sweetness in every bite.
• Cardamom Powder – Adds a warm, aromatic touch, making the ada even more flavorful.
• Ghee – Brings a rich taste and helps in roasting the ingredients beautifully.
• Banana Leaf – More than just a wrapper! It infuses the ada with a unique aroma during steaming.

How It’s Made – Step by Step

To make the best Banana Ada, start by softening the banana leaves over a low flame, making them pliable for easy wrapping. While that’s done, prepare the jaggery syrup by boiling powdered jaggery in water and straining it to remove impurities.

Next, roast the cashews and raisins in ghee until golden and set them aside. In the same pan, sauté chopped bananas until soft, then add coconut, semolina, and rice flour, stirring everything together. A pinch of salt and some cardamom powder bring balance to the sweetness.

Slowly pour the jaggery syrup into the mixture, stirring continuously until it thickens and absorbs all the flavors. Once done, mix in the roasted nuts and let the mixture cool slightly.

💡 Pro Tip: Let the mixture cool before wrapping – This makes handling easier and ensures a perfect texture after steaming.

Now comes the best part – assembling the ada! Take a banana leaf, grease it with ghee, and place a portion of the sweet mixture on it. Fold the leaf neatly and secure it, then steam cook the adas for a few minutes until they are set and infused with the banana leaf’s aroma.

The result? Soft, fragrant, and irresistibly delicious Banana Ada that melts in your mouth!

How to Serve?

Banana Ada is best enjoyed warm, straight out of the steamer. The natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. If serving for guests, place the wrapped ada on a banana leaf for a beautiful, traditional presentation.

How to Pack for Later?

Banana Ada stays fresh for a day at room temperature and can be refrigerated for 2-3 days. Simply steam them for a few minutes before serving to bring back their soft texture. If packing for lunch or travel, wrap them in foil or banana leaves to keep them fresh and fragrant.