Kelipanna Gatti ( Rice Dumplings Steamed on Banana leaf)

Kelipaana Gatti is one more popular konkani dish. In konkani, Kelipaana means banana leaf and gatti means rice dumpling. Kelipanna gatti is nothing but rice paste steamed on banana leaf. The banana leaf gives a very good smell to the rice dumplings. It is one of my favorite and was longing to have it since a long time. My mother made it for me and I was helping her as well as clicking photos:-) 
Kelipanna gatti can be served for breakfast or for the evening snack. Try making it and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• White rice- 1/2 cup
• Boiled rice/Red rice/Ukdo tandulu*- 1/2 cup
• Salt- To taste
• Banana leaves- As required
• Grated coconut, fresh/frozen- As required (optional)

*Boiled rice (red rice) is a variety of rice). If red rice is not available then substitute it with white rice along with 1/4 cup of grated coconut.

Procedure:

Wash and soak both the rice together, for 6-8 hours. Then grind it to get a thick, fine paste (add water as required). The resulting rice paste shouldn't be too thick/thin. It should be of spreadable consistency. Batter is ready.

Then wash the banana leaves. Wipe off the extra water on the leaf (it should be absolutely dry). If using frozen leaves, keep it out of the freezer for 30-45 minutes and then clean it (handle the leaves with great care as there are higher chances of the leaves getting damaged. If the leaves are too crispy then run the leaves over the heat for few seconds, which will make it softer and easier to handle).
Make small square or rectangular pieces of the banana leaf (You can cut it into small or big size). Keep in mind that it should fit well in your steamer).
Now spread the pieces of banana leaves on a flat (spacious) surface. 

Put little amount of rice batter on one of the small banana leaf pieces. 

Now start spreading the batter to get a uniform, thin layer of the batter, as shown in the picture below.

Note: You can as well try spreading grated coconut on the batter to enhance the taste (optional step).

Once the spreading is done, start folding the leaf from one end.

Continue until it reaches the other end, as shown below.

Repeat the same process to rest of the banana leaf pieces.

Pile up the rolled banana leaves in a steamer and steam it for 25-30 minutes.

Once done, remove from the steamer. Leave it to cool for 3-4 minutes.

Open the folded banana leaf. The cooked rice dumplings looks like this.

Remove the rice dumpling carefully and transfer it to a plate. Kelipanna Gatti is ready!!

Serve it hot with generous amount of coconut oil. Some people also serve some spicy dish along with it. Above measurement serves 3-4 people.