Craving a sweet, comforting, and naturally sweetened snack to pair with your evening tea? Look no further than these delightful Steamed Banana & Jaggery Vermicelli Rolls, a traditional Kerala-style treat also known as Ilayada or Ela Ada. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe is wonderfully easy, requires no fancy equipment, and delivers soft, fragrant, and delicious rolls that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth the healthy way.
- Ingredients:
- 1 ripe Banana (Nendran or Robusta works best)
- 1 cup Vermicelli (Semiya)
- ¾ cup Jaggery Powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup fresh grated Coconut
- ¼ tsp Cardamom (Elaichi) Powder
- 2 tsp Ghee
- 1 cup Hot Water
- Banana leaves (for wrapping, cleaned and cut into pieces)
Prepare the Vermicelli:
Heat 1 tsp ghee in a pan and lightly roast the vermicelli on low heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn it. Pour the hot water over the roasted vermicelli, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Once softened, fluff it gently with a fork.
Make the Sweet Filling:
In the same pan, add the remaining ghee and sauté the grated coconut for a minute. Add the jaggery powder and cardamom powder, and cook on low heat until the jaggery melts and combines well with the coconut—this should take about 2–3 minutes. Mash the banana well and stir it into the coconut-jaggery mixture. Cook for another minute until everything blends nicely. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Assemble the Rolls:
Take a piece of banana leaf and lightly pass it over a flame to make it pliable. Place a portion of the softened vermicelli on one half of the leaf and flatten it gently into a small rectangle. Spoon a generous amount of the banana-coconut-jaggery filling along the center. Carefully roll the leaf over the filling, tucking in the edges to form a neat cylindrical parcel. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
Steam to Perfection:
Arrange the wrapped rolls in a steamer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Steam on medium heat for 10–12 minutes until the banana leaf turns dark green and the rolls are firm to the touch.
Serve Warm:
Let the rolls cool for a minute before unwrapping. Serve warm as a wholesome, naturally sweetened snack alongside a cup of hot chai or coffee.