Patra

Patra

Steamed colocasia (arvi) leaf rolls coated with a sweet-tangy spiced besan paste, then sliced and sautéed with mustard and sesame.

Ingredients

• 8 arvi leaves (colocasia leaves) (do not use black-stem leaves)
• 1 bowl chickpea flour (besan)
• 1 bowl sour buttermilk/water
• jaggery
• green tamarind (boil in water and strain for pulp; or use lemon)
• lemon juice (alternative to tamarind)
• red chilli powder
• turmeric
• coriander powder
• salt
• oil (for sautéing/tempering)
• mustard seeds
• sesame seeds
• water (for steaming setup)

Instructions

1. Boil green tamarind in water, strain, and keep the pulp (or use lemon juice).
2. Mix besan with sour buttermilk/water to make a batter; add tamarind pulp (or lemon), jaggery, red chilli powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt; mix smooth.
3. Lay out an arvi leaf, spread batter on it, place another leaf on top and repeat to stack; roll tightly.
4. Bring water to a boil in a steamer setup; place a stand/plate inside and steam the rolls (do not put rolls directly in water).
5. Cool the steamed rolls and cut into pieces.
6. Heat oil; add mustard seeds and sesame seeds. Add the pieces and sauté; cook for about 20 minutes.
7. Serve.

Tips

• Do not use black-stem arvi leaves.
• Do not place rolls directly in water while steaming; steam on a stand/plate.