Paknam

Paknam

Paknam

Manipuri savoury rice-flour pancake — thick batter made from fermented rice with black sesame, ngari, dried chilli, and seasonal herbs, poured onto a banana leaf and baked or steamed. Dense, aromatic, and deeply flavoured, it is the Manipuri festival bread.

Cuisines

Manipuri

Best for

Breakfast Snacks

Recipe

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Total: 40 min 2-3 servings

Ingredients

1 cup banana leaves
1 cup gram flour
1 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
1 cup fresh fenugreek leaves, chopped
1 cup spring onions, chopped
1 cup fresh bamboo shoots, sliced
2 tablespoons mustard oil
2 teaspoons red chili powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup water

Instructions

  1. 1 Clean the banana leaves and cut them into rectangular pieces of about 8x10 inches.
  2. 2 In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, coriander leaves, fenugreek leaves, spring onions, bamboo shoots, mustard oil, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and baking soda.
  3. 3 Gradually add water to the mixture and stir until you get a thick batter consistency.
  4. 4 Place a portion of the batter onto each banana leaf piece and spread it evenly.
  5. 5 Fold the banana leaf over the batter to form a parcel and secure it with a toothpick or kitchen string if necessary.
  6. 6 Heat a steamer and place the banana leaf parcels inside.
  7. 7 Steam for about 20-25 minutes until the batter is cooked through.
  8. 8 Remove from the steamer and let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips

Ensure the batter is not too runny; it should hold its shape when placed on the banana leaf.