Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the Pan

   Boil water in a pan to remove any lingering smells from previous cooking, then discard the water. This ensures the pan is clean for preparing the sweet filling.

2. 2.Dry Roast Flattened Rice

   Add 1 cup of flattened rice (aval) to the dry pan. Dry roast on low heat, stirring continuously, until it becomes crispy and makes a sound when broken.

3. 3.Dry Roast Sesame Seeds

   In the same dry pan, add 1 cup of sesame seeds. Dry roast on low heat, stirring continuously, until lightly toasted. You can skip sesame seeds if preferred, but they add to the taste.

4. 4.Melt Jaggery

   In a separate pot, add 300g of jaggery and 1/2 cup of water. Cover with a lid and let it melt on low heat until it forms a syrup. Closing the lid helps the jaggery melt faster.

5. 5.Strain Jaggery Syrup

   Strain the melted jaggery syrup into the pan to remove any impurities. Bring the strained syrup to a boil for about 2 minutes.

6. 6.Add Coconut and Spices

   Add 3 cups of grated coconut to the boiling jaggery syrup. Mix well. The jaggery syrup should be slightly sticky but not reach a single-string consistency. Add a pinch of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder (or crushed cardamom).

7. 7.Combine Filling Ingredients

   Add the dry roasted flattened rice and sesame seeds to the jaggery-coconut mixture. Mix all ingredients thoroughly on medium flame until the mixture is well combined and slightly dry, but not powdery.

8. 8.Add Dry Fruits and Cool

   Finally, add sliced almonds (or any other desired dry fruits like cashews and raisins) to the filling. Mix well and set aside to cool completely.

9. 9.Prepare the Dough

   In a bowl, combine 2 cups of rice flour, a pinch of salt, and a little oil. Mix these dry ingredients by hand. Gradually add water, mixing until you form a soft dough that is slightly watery, similar to pathiri dough. This consistency makes it easy to spread.

10. 10.Shape and Spread Dough

    Take a portion of the dough and shape it into an elongated oval. Place it on a turmeric leaf. Apply a little oil to your hands and gently press and spread the dough thinly and evenly on the leaf.

11. 11.Fill and Fold the Ada

    Place a spoonful of the cooled sweet filling in the center of the spread dough. Fold the turmeric leaf over the filling, ensuring the dough covers the filling completely. Press the edges of the folded leaf firmly to seal the ada and prevent the filling from coming out during steaming. Alternatively, you can roll the leaf to enclose the filling.

12. 12.Arrange for Steaming

    Place a small vessel or cup in the center of a steamer basket. Arrange the prepared turmeric leaves with the ada around it. Ensure they are not placed flat and allow space for steam to circulate. If using large leaves, cut them into smaller, manageable pieces.

13. 13.Steam the Ada

    Cover the steamer basket with a lid and steam the ada for approximately 30 minutes. The turmeric leaves will change color, indicating that the ada is cooked. Ensure all adas are cooked evenly, rotating if necessary.

14. 14.Serve

    Once steamed, carefully remove the ada from the turmeric leaves. Serve warm. The ada can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or even paired with savory curries.