Halape / Halapa

Halape is a traditional Sri Lankan sweet which we use for tea time. The main ingredient is Ragi Flour(Kurakkan flour)

However when I prepare it I use both rice flour & kurakkan flour just to avoid the strong taste of Kurakkan flour although it is healthy.

In Sri Lanka we use ‘Kanda Leaves ‘ to wrap halape.However because I cannot find that leaves in the country where I live,Banana leaves are the substitute.So you cannot see the correct outer appearance of it as in Sri Lanka because I have used ‘Banana leaves’,but the taste inside is the same.

Here is the recipe


Ingredients (For 4 nos)


½ cup rice flour
½ cup Kurakkan flour (Ragi flour) (instead of both ragi & rice flour, you can use 1 cup Ragi Flour)
1 cup grated coconut
¼ cup honey (instead use 4 tsp sugar as a substitute,change the qty of sugar as per your taste)
Salt to taste
Method


Heat a pan & add grated coconut. Make it just warm & add honey or sugar & mix well. Remove from burner once the mix is brown in colour. Keep aside

In a bowl mix rice & ragi flour together.

Use some warm water into it & make dough.Add some salt to taste.

Spread kanda leaves or banana leaves on a table. (if you use banana leaves,keep it over a flame few minutes to reduce its moisture & cut into pieces of about 7’’ * 7 ‘’
Now take a small qty of the dough ,make it as a ball & spread over the leaf making a thin round shape pastry.

Put some from sugar/cocnut mixture on it & spread well.

Then fold it half & press the dough.
Continue the same process with remaining dough.

Steam for about 15-20 minutes or until cooked.
Serve & enjoy!!