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Taro Leaves

Taro Leaves

Taro Leaves

Taro is a vigorous growing perennial plant native to southeast Asia. It is cultivated in swampy soils. It is widely cultivated today in tropical Africa, China and the Far East.

Taro leaves are heart-shaped, bright to deep green and they can span over a foot in diameter. The underside of the leaves have veins that branch out from the stem.

Both the veins and stem will have a purple to red hue and are often variegated. Although taro is cultivated primarily for its roots, the leaves are wholly edible and have a tender-firm and succulent texture. Taro has a global culinary presence though. Over 10% of the world's population uses it as food staple.

The flavor is subtle, offering a pleasant nuttiness with an iron finish that is comparable to the flavor of spinach. Taro leaves are available year-round

Nutritional Facts

  • Taro leaves offer a substantial amount of Vitamin A and C and they are a better source of protein than the plant's roots.

Some of the recipes are:

  • Super Laing (Taro Leaves with Coconut Milk)
  • Palusami (taro leaves and coconut cream)
  • Pathrode
  • Callaloo

Patra
Ingredients

  • Colocasia leaves 10 (preferably small size)
  • Gram flour 250 gms
  • Red chilli powder 2 tablespoon
  • Asafoetida a pinch
  • Turmeric powder 1/4 tsp
  • Cumin seeds/jeera 1 tsp
  • Mustard seeds/Rai 1 tsp
  • Sesame seeds 1 tablespoon
  • Khus khus/Poppy seeds 1 tablespoon
  • Green chillies 2 (chopped)
  • Garam masala 1/4 tsp
  • Dry mango/Amchur powder 1 tablespoon
  • Aniseed/saunf powder 1 tablespoon
  • Sugar 1 teaspoon
  • Water as required
  • Oil 2-3 tablespoon
  • Salt to taste

Method

  1. Wash arbi leaves thoroughly in running water. Cut the mib rib of the leaves (only if thick) with knife carefully without tearing the leaf. Keep aside.
  2. Take gram flour in a bowl. Add salt(to taste) and a tablespoon of red chilli powder to it. Now add water to make the consistency of pancake batter.
  3. Place a leaf over a flat surface (upside down). Apply batter over the leaf with the help of hand or spatul
  4. Place another arbi leaf over this leaf and apply the batter again. Repeat the procedure for five leaves.(five leaves makes one wrap)
  5. Roll the leaves
  6. Again apply batter over the fold and continue to roll.
  7. Now steam the patra wraps for 10-15 minutes in a steamer or dhokla pot.(If you are using large size leaves then cut the wraps from middle into two pieces so as to fit it in steamer plate.)
  8. When done, transfer the patras in a plate and allow them to cool. Cut the patras into 1 inch broad pieces. Keep aside.
  9. Heat oil in a non stick pan. Add cumin and mustard seeds. Allow it to splutter. Now add chopped green chillies. Cook for a minute. Add patra pieces and the remaining ingredients. Mix gently and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  10. Serve hot with tamarind chutney/tomato ketchup.

Pathrode

Pathrode

Laing

Laing

Callaloo

Callaloo