Ottada, Ilayada

1. In a bowl, mix together the grated coconut, grated jaggery, cumin seeds, cardamom powder and sugar. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour/rice flour and salt. Pour water little by little to the flour mixture, and knead well until a smooth pliable dough.
3. Place a lemon sized dough in the centre of a piece of banana leaf which is rectangular in shape, and flatten it gently. If you are using rice flour, apply little ghee on banana leaf before placing the dough.
4. Then using your fingertips, stretch the dough onto the leaf, flatten it as a thin layer.
5. Keep some sweet filling(step#1) on one half, fold the banana leaf in half and press gently.
6. Seal the edges properly. Make sure that the edges are sealed well, else there are chances that the filling might come out.
7. Heat a flat pan. When it is really hot, place the folded 'Ada' onto it and fry on medium heat for 5 minutes or till the banana leaf turns dark brown in color. Flip the 'Ada' to the other side and cook till the banana leaf turns dark brown in color.
8. Make sure that the ADA is cooked well with dark brown shades/spots on both sides.
9. Serve hot or warm.

Tips:

Dipping the finger once in a while in water, at the time of flattening the dough, will prevent sticking the dough in hand and makes the job easier.