Dishes prepared in banana leaves. Jack fruit ada ( steamed jackfruit sandwich)

In south India, eating on banana leaf was a custom that dates back thousands of years. These days also at times , some people enjoy eating on it.Even though it was an old custom,its benefits are still relevant today. Not only eating on it, these leaves can also be used for cooking food .

Banana leaves are packed with plant based compounds called poly phenols. Poly phenols are anti oxidents ,some of which are found in green tea.
When food is eaten on banana leaves or cooked in it,food absorbs poly phenols from the leaves ,which is good for the body.
Banana leaves have a wax coating and has a flavour. when food is served on it or cooked in it ,the wax melts and food gets its flavour and makes it taste better.

Ingredients: For the coating :

Roasted rice flour - 1 c
salt - 1/8 tsp
butter -1tsp
boiled water - enough to make a dough

For the filling:

ripe jack fruit chopped -1 c
grated coconut -1/2 c
sugar /jaggery -3-5 tbsp

banana leaves for wrapping

Method:

Put the roasted rice flour,butter and salt in a bowl and add boiling water slowly by stirring with a wooden spoon . Water should be added only enough, to mix the flour and water. Leave the dough to cool and then knead into a smooth dough. Divide dough into medium sized balls.

Mix the chopped Jack fruit with coconut and sugar /jaggery.

Take each ball and spread thinly, using the fingers, onto the leaf.( In between fingers can be dipped in water to make the spreading smooth)

Take 2 tbsp filling and spread on to half side of coating. Then fold the other half of the coating on top of the filling side and press all the three edges lightly.

Make all Ada like this and keep it in the steamer and steam for 15-20 mins.

This dish can be served hot. It can be used as a side dish for the main meal.