Homemade Ada | How to make ada

Last Updated On: Aug 6, 2025 by Sharmilee J

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Homemade Ada is one of the main ingredients used for making Ada Pradhaman, a very popular Kerala-style payasam. Ada is nothing but steamed rice sheets made by spreading rice batter on banana leaf and cooking it. Once made, it can be cut into small pieces and used for making payasam, or even enjoyed as a savory snack of your choice. Learn How to make Ada at home with step by step pictures and video.

Making ada at home may sound tricky but actually it is very simple if you follow the right steps. Fresh homemade ada has a soft texture and nice aroma from banana leaf which makes your payasam taste so much better than the store bought ones. You can make it a day before and store it until use.

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About Homemade Ada
Homemade Ada Video
Homemade Ada Ingredients
How to make Ada Step by Step
Expert Tips
Serving and Storage
FAQS
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About Homemade Ada

This Ada recipe is made by soaking raw rice, grinding it into a smooth batter, and steaming it on banana leaves. The banana leaf adds flavor and also helps steam the batter evenly. After steaming, the thin rice sheet is cooled down and then cut into small bits to be used in payasam.

The homemade version tastes fresh and has that slight flavor of banana leaf which you will never get in packed ada. I like using it for Ada Pradhaman but it can also be used in simple payasam, kheer, or even upma. The texture is soft yet firm, so it holds shape after cooking in milk or jaggery syrup.

For instant method rice flour batter is also used instead of grinding soaked rice, which makes the process quicker. Store bought ada is handy but needs pre-cooking in boiling water before using. With homemade ada, you can just add it straight to your payasam as it is already soft.

I made a small batch as I was trying it for the first time, but you can easily double the recipe. Once you try homemade ada, you will see how easy it is and how much better your payasam tastes.

Ada pradhaman is one of my favorite onam sadhya recipes so this year wanted to give a try at home. I am so happy to welcome each festival well in advance for blogs sake and learning new recipes that I have never thought I would. So try this homemade ada and enjoy!

Homemade Ada Video

Homemade Ada Ingredients

Raw Rice - I used regular raw rice. Soak it for at least 1 hour so it grinds smooth. Gives soft texture for ada.
Ghee - to add in the batter and to grease the plate. Adds nice flavor and taste.
Salt - to taste
Sugar - to add mild sweetness to the ada.
Raw rice flour - Use homemade rice flour or store bought idiyappam flour.

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How to make Ada Step by Step

Soaking Method

1.Rinse ½ cup raw rice first then soak in water till immersing level for 2 hours.

2.After 2 hours rinse it again drain water then grind in mixer to a smooth batter. Add water little by little while grinding. Add salt to taste, ¼ teaspoon sugar, ¼ teaspoon ghee to the batter.

3.Mix it well. The batter should be smooth flowing slightly thick like this.

4.Cut banana leaf into small pieces and keep it ready. Spread the batter on it to a thin layer.

5.Roll it and tie with banana leaf strings.

Instant Method

6.This is instant version using rice flour. To a bowl add ½ cup rice flour along with salt to taste, ¼ teaspoon sugar, ¼ teaspoon ghee.

7.Mix this well first. Add water little by little and keep mixing.

8.Mix to form a smooth flowing slightly thick batter.

9.Spread on banana leaf, roll and tie.

10.Prepare a steamer and add the rolled banana leaf. Cook covered and steam cook for 10-12 minutes.

11.Gently open and peel off.

12.Cut into small squares. Repeat to finish.

13.You can use a plate instead of banana leaf too. Add a ladle full of batter, swirl to coat evenly to form a thin layer on all sides.

14.Steam cook for 10 minutes.

15.Cut into squares.

16.Homemade ada is ready. Store in fridge in a clean dry container.

Expert Tips

Batter consistency - You should make it flowing and slightly thick. If too thick ada will be hard, if too thin it will turn sticky.
Banana leaf - Using banana leaf makes the ada flavorful and soft. I would recommend using banana leaf, if its not available you can use plate/
Rolling and steaming - Try to roll tight and tie it so batter cooks evenly and does not leak. I steam for around 10-12 minutes till it is set.
Cooling - You should always cool it completely before cutting. If you cut when warm it will stick and tear.
Storage - I keep in airtight box at room temperature , it keeps well in fridge for about 3 days. You can steam again for few minutes to soften if it becomes too dry.
Rice flour option - If you are in hurry, you can mix rice flour with water and make batter. Follow same steps for steaming.
Drying - You can even dry in sun and store in freezer for up to a year.

Serving and Storage

Use fresh ada directly in Ada Pradhaman or any payasam. For store bought ada you need to soak in hot water before using, but for homemade ada just add it directly. You can also make small upma or mix with sweet coconut filling for a quick snack. Store at room temperature for a day or in fridge for up to 2 days. Steam lightly to soften before using.

FAQS

1.Can I make ada with rice flour?

Yes, mix rice flour with water to make batter and follow same steps.

2.What can I use this ada for?

You can use it for making payasam, upma etc.

3.Can I make without banana leaf?

Traditionally no, but you can use a steel plate grease and use it too.

4.How to cut ada?

Cool completely then cut into small squares. You can make tiny ones like shop-bought if you prefer.

5.Can I make big batch and store?

Yes, but for longer storage keep in fridge.

If you have any more questions about this Homemade Ada Recipe do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Youtube and Twitter .

Tried this Homemade Ada Recipe? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

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