Learn how to make Pazham Ada, a traditional Kerala steamed sweet made with ripe Nenthra Pazham (plantain), jaggery, rava, and coconut. This delicious ada is usually steamed in banana leaves, but in this recipe, I show you how to make it without banana leaf using parchment paper.

Perfect for festivals, tea-time, or as a healthy sweet snack, this Nenthra Pazham Ada is soft, naturally sweet, and loaded with flavor. The crunch of cashews and raisins along with the aroma of cardamom makes this recipe extra special.

👉 You can also try this ada with pineapple or jackfruit for a tasty variation.
👉 Ingredients: plantain, jaggery, rava, coconut, cardamom, ghee, cashews, raisins.

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🍌 Pazham Ada (Nenthra Pazham Ada) Recipe – Step by Step

Ingredients:

• ½ cup jaggery
• 1 cup water
• 1 ripe Nenthra Pazham (plantain / ethapazham)
• 2 tsp + 1 tsp ghee (divided)
• 10 cashews
• 10 raisins
• ¼ cup grated coconut
• ¼ tsp cardamom powder
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup rava (sooji / semolina)
• 1 tbsp rice flour
• Banana leaves or parchment paper (for steaming)

Instructions:

Prepare Jaggery Syrup

• Add ½ cup jaggery and 1 cup water to a saucepan.
• Bring to a boil and let the jaggery melt completely. Set aside.

• Take 1 fully ripe Nenthra Pazham (plantain), chop into small pieces, and set aside.

• Heat 2 tsp ghee in a pan.
• Add 10 cashews and 10 raisins, roast until golden.
• Add the chopped plantain and roast for 5 minutes.

• Mix in ¼ cup grated coconut, ¼ tsp cardamom powder, and a pinch of salt.
• Cook for a couple of minutes.

• Add ½ cup rava (sooji) and roast for 2–3 minutes.
• Add 1 tsp ghee and continue roasting for extra flavor.

Add Rice Flour & Jaggery Syrup

• Add 1 tbsp rice flour, mix well.
• Slowly pour in the hot jaggery syrup, stirring to avoid lumps.
• Cook until the mixture thickens. Allow it to cool slightly.

Shape & Wrap

• Traditionally, banana leaves are used. If unavailable, use parchment paper.
• Cut into squares, place a spoonful of mixture in the center, and fold to seal.
• (Tip: Don’t overfill—makes sealing easier).

Steam the Ada

• Arrange the parcels in a steamer or idli pot.
• Steam for 10 minutes.

Serve & Enjoy

• Let it cool slightly before opening.
• Soft, flavorful Pazham Ada with crunchy cashews and raisins is ready to serve!

✨ You can also make this recipe with pineapple or jackfruit. If banana leaves are available, use them for an authentic flavor boost.