What is Oreo Ela Ada? A Fusion Dessert to Try This Onam

India is known for its vibrant culture and colors, which are brought in with every festival. Festivals also bring with them foods that evoke memories of childhood, family, and shared meals. Onam, a popular 10-day festival celebrated by Keralites all over the world, fills days with joy, Pookalams days, the hubbub around the house, and the thrill of sadya spreading out. Of all the fare, sweets have a special place in our hearts. And one such sweet dish deeply associated with Kerala kitchens during Onam is ela ada.

Ela Ada is a traditional dish prepared using rice flour dough thinly spread on a banana leaf, filled with jaggery and grated coconut, then folded and steamed. The leaf imparts an exclusive flavor while retaining its sweet, soft, and moist texture. Many of us have grown up unwrapping the banana leaf packet to reveal a sweet, warm filling within, a humble pleasure on Onam days.

Now imagine this same comforting food coming into contact with a modern favorite, Oreo biscuits. That is how oreo ela ada is created. It is a fusion variant where the classic coconut-jaggery mixture is substituted by crushed Oreo filling mixed with grated coconut and a pinch of sugar. The banana leaf continues to have its role, imbuing a sense of home, but the filling introduces a chocolaty twist that delights kids and grown-ups alike. For those who want to experiment without denuding the spirit of tradition for the family, Oreo ela ada is the ideal addition to the Onam feast.

Recipe for Oreo Ela Ada

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1 ¼ cup hot water
• A pinch of salt
• 8-10 Oreo biscuits
• ½ cup freshly grated coconut
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp ghee
• Banana leaves (small squares, washed and softened over the flame)

Method:

1. In a large bowl, mix rice flour and a pinch of salt.
2. Add hot water slowly and stir with a spoon, then knead lightly into a smooth, soft dough.
3. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for a few minutes.
4. For the filling, grind Oreos to fine crumbs.
5. In a pan, lightly warm ghee, add grated coconut, powdered sugar, and Oreo crumbs.
6. Stir for 2-3 minutes until the mixture comes together and set aside.
7. Take a softened banana leaf piece.
8. Spread a little ball of dough evenly into a thin circle.
9. Put 1-2 tablespoons of the Oreo-coconut mixture in the center.
10. Fold the banana leaf in half and press the edges gently to seal.
11. Stack all folded leaves into a steamer and steam for 10-12 minutes until the ada appears firm and cooked through. Remove, let them sit for a minute, and serve warm.

7 Tips to Prepare Oreo Ela Ada

1. Prepare the rice dough carefully

The base of Oreo ela ada depends on soft and pliable dough. Always use hot water to bind the rice flour, as this helps it come together without cracks. Cover it with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out before shaping. If the dough feels sticky, grease your hands with a touch of oil to spread it easily on the banana leaf.

2. Take fresh banana leaves

Banana leaves not only hold the ada but also provide that distinctive scent when steaming. Rinse them thoroughly and lightly caramelize them over fire to make them pliable. This avoids tearing while folding. If fresh leaves are unavailable, use frozen leaves from Indian markets, but thaw and soften them first.

3. Balance the sweetness of the filling

Oreos are already sweet, so add powdered sugar with care. Excessive sugar can make the filling cloy. Combining grated coconut balances the biscuit crumbs, preventing them from being too dry and heavy. Sample the filling before enclosing it within the dough.

4. Add ghee to the filling

A spoon of ghee holds the ground Oreos and coconut nicely, lending a moist bite to the filling. If ghee is missing, the mixture will feel dry after steaming. To make it vegan, substitute ghee with coconut oil, which blends naturally with the coconut.

5. Spread the dough evenly on the leaf

Thick preparations of rice dough will be doughy and undercooked when steamed. Make it thin and uniform, almost like a soft sheet. Spread it with fingers or the back of a spoon moistened with water so that it does not stick. This keeps the ada soft but firm.

6. Steam with patience

Do not hurry the steaming process. Place the folded banana leaves in the steamer gently without piling up. Provide them with space to allow for the circulation of the steam. Steam on medium flame for 10-12 minutes.

7. Serve warm

Oreo ela ada is best enjoyed fresh from the steamer, warm and fragrant. After cooling, the filling will lose some of its tender bite. When made ahead, re-steam them for a few minutes before serving. Served alongside a glass of warm milk or even payasam on the Onam table, it is the quintessential festive treat. Happy Onam!