Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the Poha

   Heat a pan and dry roast 1 cup of poha (flattened rice) on low heat for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes crisp. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

2. 2.Roast Sesame Seeds

   In the same pan, dry roast 1 cup of sesame seeds on low heat for 1-2 minutes until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer to the same bowl as the poha and set aside.

3. 3.Melt Jaggery

   In a small pot, combine 300 grams of jaggery with 1/2 cup of water. Cover the pot with a lid and let it melt on low heat for about 2-3 minutes until the jaggery is fully dissolved.

4. 4.Strain Jaggery Syrup

   Strain the melted jaggery syrup into a clean pan to remove any impurities. Bring the strained syrup to a boil.

5. 5.Add Coconut and Spices

   Once the jaggery syrup is boiling, add 3 cups of grated coconut. Mix well. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Add a pinch of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder. Mix thoroughly.

6. 6.Combine Filling Ingredients

   Add the roasted poha and sesame seeds to the jaggery-coconut mixture. Mix everything together until well combined and the mixture is relatively dry. Finally, add sliced almonds and mix. Remove from heat and let the filling cool down.

7. 7.Prepare the Rice Dough

   In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of rice flour with a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of oil. Mix well with your hands. Gradually add water, kneading until you get a soft, pliable dough that is slightly softer than regular pathiri dough.

8. 8.Spread Dough on Turmeric Leaves

   Take a fresh turmeric leaf. Apply a little oil to your hands. Take a small portion of the rice dough and place it on one half of the turmeric leaf. Gently spread the dough thinly and evenly across the leaf using your fingers.

9. 9.Fill and Fold the Ada

   Place a spoonful of the prepared sweet filling along the center of the spread dough. Carefully fold the turmeric leaf in half, enclosing the filling. Gently press the edges of the leaf to seal the ada.

10. 10.Arrange for Steaming

    Place the prepared adas in a steamer basket. If using a large steamer, place a small cup or bowl in the center to ensure even steam circulation. Arrange the adas around it, making sure they don't overlap too much.

11. 11.Steam the Adas

    Cover the steamer and steam the adas for approximately 30 minutes. The leaves will change color from vibrant green to a duller, yellowish-green, indicating that the adas are cooked through.

12. 12.Serve

    Once steamed, carefully remove the adas from the steamer. Unwrap them from the turmeric leaves and serve warm. Enjoy the fragrant and sweet Manjal Ela Ada!