Mmmmm… Patharvodo…!! (I’m already drooling… 😉 ) Taro Leaf Rolls or Patharvodo is an all time favorite delicacy for all Konkanis! This dish can be relished for breakfast, or as an evening snack or even as a whole meal for dinner! (By now you can guess how obsessed we are with Patharvodos). Taro Leaf Roll is simply a lip-smacking, snacking royalty! Because of its soft texture, it is very popular among children too! This dish is rich in nutrients such as calcium, vitamins and folic acid. The rolls are steamed to cook – hence very healthy too! Because it is so delicious and popularly accepted, it is served as a premium snack during family get-togethers, special functions/ events. This dish also finds its way, with some regional variations, among Marathis and Gujaratis. Patharvodo/ Taro Leaf Rolls can be served sliced along with coconut oil as a dip! It can also be sliced and roasted in a frying pan with a few drops of coconut oil, to make it crispy, and served as an evening snack!
Try this recipe and see for yourself if you don’t become a huge fan of Patharvodo!! 😀
Taro Leaf Rolls (aka Patharvodo)
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1. Tender Taro Leaves - 10
- 2. Uncooked Rice - 4 cups (soaked for 4 hrs)
- 3. Grated Coconut - 1 cup
- 4. Red Chilies - 4-6 (adjust per your taste. Must be mild-medium spicy)
- 5. Turmeric - 1 tsp
- 6. Asafetida - 1 tsp
- 7. Tamarind Paste - 2-3 tbsps
- 8. Salt as required
- 9. Steamer for steaming the rolls
Instructions
In a mixer/ blender, with the exception of taro leaves, grind all the ingredients together along with water to a thick, coarse, spreadable batter. This coconut and rice batter will be used as a spread over the taro leaves for making the rolls.
Salt should be added considering the leaves as well. Hence, should be slightly on the higher side.
Clean the taro leaves very well and cut its stem.
Lay the leaves flat with its back facing up. Slide a sharp knife along the thick veins of the leaves so as to peel off all the tough, unbendable parts of the leaf. Be careful not to tear the leaves while doing this step.
Now the leaves are ready for rolling! Lay a large leaf on a plate, front side up, and spread the batter lavishly and evenly on the leaf.
Next, layer another leaf over it, making sure the pointed end of this leaf is over the wide end of the previous leaf. Again spread the batter lavishly, covering the entire area of the leaves. We want to make sure that the rolls are square and even and hence the pointed ends will be layered alternately as we add layers.
Add 4-5 layers similarly, applying the batter. Place the smaller leaves adjacently to cover the area. And now we are ready to roll!
We will start rolling from the left side all the way through. Therefore, the top and bottom edges will be folded once, about 2 inches inside, to ensure the rolls are completely sealed.
Start rolling slowly so that a cylindrical roll is formed (just like a burrito roll) and tie it with a thread to prevent opening.
Repeat the process with the remaining leaves to form a second roll.
Coat a little batter on the outer surface of the rolls as well and place it in a Steamer.
Add sufficient water in the steamer to cook for 45 mins. Make sure the rolls are placed above the water level.
After 45 mins of steaming, poke a toothpick into the rolls and check if it comes out clean. Then the rolls are fully done. Else leave it for steaming for some additional time. You can tell once it is almost done by the beautiful aroma the Patharvodo lets out..!
Now the delicious Taro Leaf Rolls/ Patharvodo are ready to devour with coconut oil as a dipping sauce! 😀
Notes
Tips:
1) The coconut and rice batter is the one that gives the taste to the rolls. So add it rich and luxuriously to every bit of the taro leaves.
2) The Patharvodos can be stored for 2-5 days as it is prepared in bulk. From 2nd day onward it can be sliced and roasted in a frying pan with some coconut oil. Both ways (steamed/ roasted) they taste great.
3) Coconut oil is the best pair for Patharvodos. Do not replace with other oils (as I've tried them and they do not taste as great).
2 Comments
Ron Schutt
August 13, 2022 at 2:37 pmHow big do the leaves need to be? My Taro leaves are 4 feet tall. Do I cut them to the size of a plate before rolling?
Malini
August 14, 2022 at 12:53 amHi Ron! Yes, 4 feet sure is long. I typically use leaves that are about 1.5 feet long. You may split it in half before rolling.