Colacasia Leaf Rolls

Colacasia Leaf Rolls Recipe - Pakistani Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: Pakistan | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Colacasia leaf rolls, also known as patra, are a popular Indian snack made with layers of colacasia leaves coated in a flavorful gram flour batter. These rolls are steamed and then topped with a delicious tempering of mustard seeds, sesame seeds, coriander leaves, and coconut. They are a tasty and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.

History

Colacasia leaf rolls have been a traditional dish in Indian cuisine for many years. The recipe is believed to have originated in the state of Gujarat, where it is a popular snack enjoyed by people of all ages. The combination of colacasia leaves and gram flour batter creates a unique and delicious flavor that has made this dish a favorite in many households.

Ingredients

5 leaves of colacasia

Batter

150 g of gram flour
100 g of tamarind pulp
20 g of chilli powder
5 g of turmeric powder
2 g of asafoetida
2 g of roasted cumin seeds
20 g of sugar
20 ml of oil
salt to taste

Tempering

30 ml of oil
5 g of mustard seeds
10 g of sesame seeds
25 g of coriander seeds
75 g of coconut

How to prepare

To prepare, chop the coriander leaves.
Grate the coconut.
Cut off the thick veins and wash the colacasia leaves.
Mix the listed ingredients and make a thick batter.
Place a colacasia leaf on the table and spread a thin layer of the batter on top, then place another leaf on top and repeat the process of applying the batter.
Fold in the sides of the leaf, then roll lengthwise into a tight roll.
For cooking, steam the rolls for 30 minutes.
Remove and cut them into slices that are 1 cm thick.
Arrange the slices on a platter.
Heat the oil and add the mustard seeds. When they crackle, add sesame, coriander leaves, and coconut.
Pour this tempering on the sliced patra. Serve warm.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Use different spices and seasonings in the batter for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
Substitute the colacasia leaves with spinach or kale for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to wash the colacasia leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.

- When applying the batter to the leaves, make sure to spread it evenly to ensure that each layer is coated properly.

- Steam the rolls for the recommended time to ensure that they are cooked through and have a soft texture.

- The tempering adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish, so make sure to prepare it fresh and pour it over the sliced rolls just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Colacasia leaf rolls can be served as a snack or appetizer with a side of chutney or yogurt dip. They can also be enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming: Steam the rolls for 30 minutes to ensure that they are cooked through and have a soft texture.

- Tempering: Prepare the tempering separately and pour it over the sliced rolls just before serving to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If colacasia leaves are not available, you can use spinach or kale as a substitute.

- You can use lemon juice instead of tamarind pulp for a tangy flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rolls in advance and steam them just before serving.

- The tempering can also be prepared ahead of time and reheated before pouring over the sliced rolls.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sliced rolls on a platter and drizzle the tempering over the top for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish with fresh coriander leaves or grated coconut for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve colacasia leaf rolls with a side of mint chutney or tamarind sauce for a delicious combination of flavors.

- Pair with a refreshing drink like lemonade or iced tea to balance out the spices in the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- To reheat, steam the rolls for a few minutes until heated through, or microwave for a quick and easy option.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Total calories per serving: 500

Carbohydrates

- Gram flour: 150g

- Tamarind pulp: 100g

- Sugar: 20g

- Total carbohydrates per serving: 170g

Fats

- Oil: 50ml

- Coconut: 75g

- Total fats per serving: 125g

Proteins

- Gram flour: 150g

- Total proteins per serving: 150g

Vitamins and minerals

Turmeric powder: 5g

- Asafoetida: 2g

- Cumin seeds: 2g

- Coriander seeds: 25g

- Total vitamins and minerals per serving: 34g

Alergens

Contains gluten (gram flour)

- May contain traces of nuts (coconut)

Summary

Colacasia leaf rolls are a high-carb, high-fat dish that is also rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. They are a flavorful and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Colacasia leaf rolls are a delicious and nutritious snack that is perfect for any occasion. With layers of colacasia leaves coated in a flavorful gram flour batter and topped with a tasty tempering, these rolls are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them as a snack or appetizer and savor the unique flavors of this traditional Indian dish.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Colacasia Leaf Rolls. It was a warm summer day, and I was strolling through the local farmer's market, enjoying the sights and sounds of the bustling vendors selling their fresh produce.

As I passed by a stall filled with vibrant green vegetables, my eyes landed on a bunch of colacasia leaves. I had never cooked with colacasia leaves before, but something about them intrigued me. The vendor noticed my interest and struck up a conversation with me. He told me that colacasia leaves were a popular ingredient in many Indian dishes and suggested that I try making Colacasia Leaf Rolls.

Intrigued by the idea, I purchased a bunch of colacasia leaves and headed home to experiment in the kitchen. I pulled out my trusty recipe notebook, filled with recipes I had collected over the years from various places and people, and started to jot down the ingredients and steps needed to make the Colacasia Leaf Rolls.

I began by washing the colacasia leaves and patting them dry. Then, I prepared a flavorful filling made with mashed potatoes, onions, green chilies, and a blend of spices. I carefully spread the filling onto each colacasia leaf and rolled them up into neat little parcels.

Next, I steamed the Colacasia Leaf Rolls until they were tender and cooked through. The aroma that filled my kitchen was incredible, a tantalizing mix of spices and herbs. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

As I took my first bite of the Colacasia Leaf Rolls, I was transported to a world of flavors and textures. The colacasia leaves were tender and slightly earthy, while the filling was savory and aromatic. It was a dish unlike any I had ever tasted before, and I knew immediately that it would become a staple in my cooking repertoire.

I shared the Colacasia Leaf Rolls with my family and friends, who were equally impressed by the unique flavors and beautiful presentation. They couldn't believe that I had learned to make such a delicious dish from a chance encounter at the farmer's market.

Since that day, Colacasia Leaf Rolls have become a beloved dish in my household. I have made them for countless gatherings and special occasions, each time receiving rave reviews from all who try them. The recipe has become one of my favorites, a reminder of the joy and excitement that can come from trying something new in the kitchen.

As I look back on that fateful day at the farmer's market, I am grateful for the inspiration and creativity that led me to discover the recipe for Colacasia Leaf Rolls. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And who knows, maybe one day I will pass on this recipe to someone else, sparking their own culinary adventures and discoveries.