Patra ~ Alu Wadi ~ Taro Leaves Pinwheels

One can see few similarities in Gujarati and Maharashtrian cuisine, due to the geographical similarities in these two states. Infact they were one state before India got Independence. On 1st May 1960, these two states of Maharashtra and Gujarat were formed on linguistic lines. Few dishes are prepared in Maharashtrian as well as Gujarati Cuisine but have different names, like Puran Poli is a Maharashtrian sweet dish, which is known as Gali Rotli in Gujarti Cuisine. Famous Gujarati Khandvi is known as Suralichi Vadi. One such dish which is prepared in both the cuisines is Patra ~ Alu Wadi.

Patra ~ Alu Wadi is a popular Gujarati and Maharashtrian snack. Taro or Colocasia leaves are rolled and filled with besan tangy and spicy paste. It resembles a green and gold pinwheel when sliced. Patra is also known as "pathrode," and the leaves are also called "alu" or even "elephant ears." The art of rolling the patra is important so that it binds the paste with the leaves while they are being steamed.


Ingredients:
8 - 10 Patra Leaves /Alu Leaves/ Taro Leaves Half Bowl of Besan (Bengal Gram Flour) 2 Tablespoon Garlic Paste
2 Teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
1 Tablespoon Tamarind Pulp
1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric Powder
1 Teaspoon Coriander Powder
11/2 Tablespoon of Jaggery
Salt as per taste
Oil
1 Teaspoon Mustard seeds
1 Teaspoon Fenugreek seeds
2 Teaspoon Sesame seeds
Grated Coconut and Coriander leaves for Garnishing

Method:
1. Wash all the Taro leaves carefully and then wipe it with clean cloth.

2. In a small bowl dissolve Jaggery and Tamarind pulp and leave it for 30 minutes.
3. Now make thick besan paste in a bowl, by placing besan, garlic paste, red chilly powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, Salt to taste, tamarind and jaggery pulp. Add oil to this paste and if required very less water to make a thick paste.
4. On a clean surface, place a big taro leaf and with the help of your fingers spread the besan paste on the front side of the leaf.
5. Now a place another smaller leaf on the bigger leaf and apply the besan paste on it.
6. Now fold both the sides of layered leaves and keep applying the besan paste on every fold. Now roll the leaves tightly and keep on applying the paste on every fold and make a log.

7. In a similar way apply the paste to the rest of the Taro leaves.
8. Steam the Taro leaves log for 20 - 30 minutes.
9. Once they are steamed, allow them to cool and then cut the logs vertically. Once they are cut the will give a pin wheel look filled with spicy and tangy besan paste.

10. Few people prefer eating steamed Patra / Alu Wadi by dipping it in oil. And few deep fry them. But I prefer it by tempering them.
11. For tempering, heat oil in a deep vessel. Once the oil is hot add Mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds. Once they start spluttering add Sesame seeds.
12. Place the steamed Patra / Alu Wadi in this tempering and mix it well. Allow it to cook in this tempering for 1 Minute.
13. Garnish the Patras / Alu Wadi with grated Coconut and chopped Coriander leaves and serve it with either hot tea or serve it as a side dish in your main course

This is my entry for Priyanka's Shaadi Ki Thali Event, as Patras are prepared as one of the savoury snack during Gujarati weddings