03 Jan Arbi Leaves Patra
Arbi Leaves Patra, also known as Alu Vadi in Maharashtra and Patrode in Gujarat and Karnataka, is a traditional Indian snack made from tender colocasia (arbi) leaves. These leaves are smeared with a tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet gram flour paste, rolled up tightly, steamed, and then tempered with aromatic spices. The dish is loved for its unique flavor that combines the earthiness of arbi leaves with the sweet-sour balance of jaggery, tamarind, and spices. It’s nutritious, rich in iron, and makes for a wholesome tea-time snack or festive delicacy.
Ingredients
- 8–10 medium-sized arbi (colocasia) leaves
- 1 ½ cups besan (gram flour)
- 2 tbsp tamarind pulp (or lemon juice)
- 2 tbsp jaggery, grated (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
1 tsp ginger-green chili paste - 1 tbsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Water, as needed
For tempering:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1–2 green chilies, slit
- A pinch of hing (asafoetida)
- Fresh coriander leaves & grated coconut for garnish
PREP TIME
25 minutes
COOK TIME
15 minutes
SERVES
6
Instructions
- Prepare the leaves:
Wash arbi leaves thoroughly.
Trim the thick veins gently with a knife to flatten them (don’t cut through). - Make the paste:
In a bowl, mix gram flour, tamarind pulp, jaggery, chili powder, turmeric, coriander, cumin, sesame seeds, garam masala, ginger-green chili paste, and salt.
Add water gradually to make a thick, spreadable paste. - Layer and roll:
Place one arbi leaf shiny side down. Spread a thin layer of the besan paste.
Place another leaf on top, spread paste again, and repeat with 3–4 leaves.
Roll the leaves tightly from bottom to top, folding the sides in.
Secure with a little paste if needed. - Steam:
Place the rolls in a steamer and cook for about 20–25 minutes until firm.
Cool slightly, then cut into ½-inch slices. - Tempering:
Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, sesame seeds, hing, and slit green chilies.
Add the patra slices and toss gently for 2–3 minutes until lightly crisp. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh coriander and grated coconut.
Enjoy warm with tea or as a festive snack!
Tip: Patra can also be shallow-fried for a crispy version or deep-fried for a party-style snack.
Video tutorial
Health Benefits
High in iron & calcium – great for bone and blood health.
Rich in protein & fiber from gram flour and arbi leaves.
Balanced taste: sweet, tangy & spicy while being nutritious.
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