Banana Leaf Crepes Recipe – Savory & Sweet Indian Dosa Alternative

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Banana Leaf Crepes Recipe – Savory & Sweet Indian Dosa Alternative

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for something a little different, a little special, to add to your cooking repertoire. I stumbled upon this recipe for Banana Leaf Crepes a few years ago, and it’s become a real favorite. It’s a beautiful, flavorful alternative to dosas, and honestly, the aroma while they’re cooking is just heavenly! Let’s dive in, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your everyday crepes. Cooking the batter inside a banana leaf imparts a subtle, earthy sweetness and a wonderful aroma. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to experience a traditional South Indian cooking method. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and you can enjoy them both savory and sweet – perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful crepes:

• 0.75 cup Rice Flour (approx. 150g)
• 0.5 teaspoon Crushed Green Chili (approx. 2.5g)
• 0.5 teaspoon Crushed Ginger (approx. 2.5g)
• 0.5 teaspoon Crushed Cumin Seeds (approx. 2.5g)
• 2 teaspoons Curd/Yogurt (approx. 30g)
• 0.5 teaspoon Ghee (approx. 5g)
• 0.75 cup Rice Flour (approx. 150g)
• 0.75 cup Coconut Milk (approx. 180ml)
• 3 tablespoons Crushed Jaggery/Sugar (approx. 45g)
• Salt (to taste)
• Banana Leaves (enough for 6 rectangular pieces)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a moment. A few little things can make all the difference!

• Rice Flour Varieties: You can use regular rice flour, or for a slightly different texture, try using idli rice flour.
• The Significance of Banana Leaves in South Indian Cuisine: Banana leaves aren’t just a cooking vessel; they add a subtle flavor and aroma to the food. They’re also considered auspicious and are often used during festivals and special occasions.
• Spice Level & Regional Variations: Feel free to adjust the amount of green chili to your liking. In some regions, black pepper is also added for a bit of warmth.
• Ghee: Clarified Butter & Its Role: Ghee adds a beautiful richness and nutty flavor. If you don’t have ghee, you can substitute with butter, but ghee really elevates the taste.
• Curd/Yogurt – Choosing the Right Kind: Use plain, unsweetened yogurt. If it’s very thick, you can whisk in a tablespoon of water to loosen it up.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, prepare your banana leaves. Wash them gently, dry them thoroughly, and cut them into rectangular pieces – you’ll need two pieces per crepe.
2. Now, let’s make the batters. In one bowl, mix the rice flour, crushed green chili, crushed ginger, crushed cumin seeds, curd, and ghee. This is your savory batter!
3. In another bowl, combine the rice flour, coconut milk, and crushed jaggery. This is your sweet batter.
4. Give both batters a good mix, then cover and let them rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the batter to achieve the right consistency.
5. Heat a flat griddle or tawa over medium heat. Grease the banana leaf pieces with a little ghee.
6. Place one banana leaf piece on the hot griddle, then spread a ladleful of batter onto it. Top with another greased banana leaf piece.
7. Cook covered for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until you see golden brown spots appear on the leaf.
8. Serve immediately! Enjoy the savory version with your favorite chutney or a dollop of ghee. The sweet version is delicious with a little extra ghee drizzled on top.

Expert Tips

A few little secrets to help you nail this recipe:

• Achieving the Perfect Crepe Texture: The batter should be smooth and pourable, but not too runny. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water.
• Working with Banana Leaves – A Comprehensive Guide: If the banana leaves are stiff, gently warm them over a low flame to make them more pliable.
• Resting the Batter – Why It Matters: Don’t skip the resting time! It really does make a difference in the texture and flavor of the crepes.

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Banana Leaf Crepes: Substitute the ghee with coconut oil and the curd with plant-based yogurt.
• Gluten-Free Adaptations: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use pure rice flour.
• Adjusting Spice Levels – Mild to Spicy: My friend, Priya, loves to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
• Festival Adaptations (Onam, Vishu): During Onam and Vishu, these crepes are often made with a special blend of spices and served as part of the traditional feast.

Serving Suggestions

These crepes are incredibly versatile!

• Savory: Serve with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, or sambar.
• Sweet: A drizzle of ghee, a sprinkle of cardamom, or a side of fresh fruit are all wonderful accompaniments.

Storage Instructions

Leftover crepes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on a griddle or in a pan.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What is the best way to clean and prepare banana leaves? Gently wash with warm water and a soft cloth. Dry thoroughly. You can also briefly warm them over a flame to make them more pliable.
• Can I substitute banana leaves with another material? While it won’t be the same, you can try using parchment paper, but the flavor won’t be the same.
• What if I don’t have access to fresh banana leaves? Some Asian grocery stores carry frozen banana leaves.
• How can I adjust the sweetness level in the sweet crepes? Simply adjust the amount of jaggery or sugar to your liking.
• What is the best chutney to serve with the savory crepes? Coconut chutney is a classic pairing, but tomato chutney or even a spicy peanut chutney would be delicious.
• Can I make the batter ahead of time? Yes, you can make the batter up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.

Enjoy making these delicious Banana Leaf Crepes! I hope they bring a little bit of South Indian sunshine into your kitchen. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below!