Manipur Paknam Bora Steamed Gram Flour Cake Meitei

Method

1. 1

   Make the batter: In a bowl combine gram flour, turmeric and salt. Add water gradually while whisking until a smooth, thick batter forms — like thick pancake batter. It should be just pourable and hold its shape when dropped from a spoon.

2. 2

   Add fresh ingredients: Add finely chopped onion, green chilli, grated ginger, coriander leaves and spring onions. Mix well. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Prepare banana leaves: Soften the banana leaf pieces by passing briefly over a flame or dipping in hot water — this makes them pliable and prevents cracking when folded. Wipe dry.

4. 4

   Oil the banana leaf: Brush a light coat of oil on the inner surface (the dull side) of each banana leaf piece.

5. 5

   Pour batter onto each leaf: Place 3 to 4 tablespoons of the gram flour batter in the centre of each prepared banana leaf. The amount should be enough to form a cake about 1.5 cm thick and 8 cm wide.

6. 6

   Fold the banana leaf: Fold the banana leaf over the batter to form a flat rectangular parcel. Fold the sides under to seal. Secure with a toothpick or piece of bamboo if needed.

7. 7

   Prepare the steamer: Fill a steamer with water. Bring to a full boil. Arrange the folded banana leaf parcels on the steamer tray.

8. 8

   Steam for 20 to 22 minutes: Cover tightly and steam on medium-high heat for 20 to 22 minutes. The gram flour inside the banana leaf will cook through and firm up.

9. 9

   Test doneness: Open one parcel carefully. The paknam should be firm, cooked through and slightly springy when pressed. If soft and wet in the centre, reseal and steam for 3 more minutes.

10. 10

    Serve: Serve the parcels still wrapped. Each person opens their own banana leaf at the table — the fragrant steam trapped inside will escape. Serve as a snack or festival offering.

11. 11

    Note: Paknam is a festival preparation made specifically for Lai Haraoba — the most important annual ritual festival of the Meitei people of Manipur. Lai Haraoba (meaning the merry-making of the deities) is a multi-day festival observed in all Meitei communities in spring, involving music, dance and specific ritual food offerings. The banana leaf cooking is traditional and the fragrance of gram flour cooked in banana leaf is one of the sensory markers of the festival.