Thiruvonam special ada

Ada or steamed rice patties is a traditional dish that is offered in temples as part of special rituals on the day of Thiruvonam. Sweet and tasty ada that has a coconut-jaggery filling is usually cooked at home as an offering for the idol of Thrikkakarayappan. A grand platter of ada, pazham nurukku or caramelized banana, papad and upperi (banana chips) is usually enjoyed for breakfast on Thiruvonam day. Check out the pretty simple recipe of thiruvona ada.

Ingredients
500 gms unakkalari (raw rice with bran)
500 gms jaggery
2 coconuts (grated)
1 banana
2 tbsp ghee
1 tsp sugar
20 plantain leaves (1 foot each)

Preparation
Soak the rice for at least 4 - 5 hours
Grind the soaked rice in the mixer jar without adding too much water
Prepare jaggery syrup by melting them in some water over heat
When the jaggery syrup begins to bubble add the grated coconut and banana pieces
Mix well
Cook until the water from the coconut reduces
Now add a tsp of ghee
Mix well and turn off the flame
Mix 1 tbsp ghee and 1 tbsp sugar in the rice dough (this makes the ada softer)
Soften the plantain leaves by running them over flame
Scoop some dough and spread it on the plantain leaf as thin patty
Place the jaggery – coconut filling on one side
Fold the leaf
Cook the leaf packets in a regular idli steamer for 20 – 25 minutes
Thiruvonam special ada is ready.