A rainy evening with Patra(Alu Vadi) #MyFriendAlexa

After a long wait, earth was blessed with heavenly showers. Sitting in the balcony, watching the rain falling on ground is a wonderful sight. And, this experience is enhanced by having a cup of tea and yummy snacks!

Having lived in Mumbai for few years, I enjoyed eating Patra(Alu Vadi) a lot. And, I had been craving for it since long time. With no one ready to serve it, I took it upon myself to make yummy Patra and relish it.

Patra or Alu vadi is made from colocasia leaves. Alu in Hindi means potato but in Marathi Alu means colocasia, hence it is named so. First step in making it was calling up my friend in Mumbai to ask for her mother’s authentic recipe. 😀

Ingredients:
  • Colocasia leaves – 8 or 10
  • Gram flour(Besan) – 2 cups
  • Ginger crushed
  • Green chilies crushed – 2 to 3
  • Garam masala – 1 teaspoon
  • Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Turmeric powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Salt – as per taste
  • Tamarind paste/ Dry Mango powder(Aamchoor) – 2 tablespoon
  • Jaggery paste – ½  small cup
  • Sesame seeds – for frying
  • Mustard seeds – for frying
  • Coriander leaves – for garnishing
Preparation steps – 
  1. Wash the leaves by rinsing them thoroughly & drying them with a cloth.
  2. After drying leaves, cut out the extra stem & thicker veins of the leaves to smoothen them.
  3. Next step is to prepare a thick paste by mixing all ingredients in a bowl including –
  • Besan
  • Crushed ginger & green chili
  • Garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, salt,turmeric
  • Tamarind & jaggery paste

    Ingredients for paste
    Ingredients for paste
  1. Start applying the paste on leaves with the front of leaf facing upwards.
  2. Continue adding leaves to the bundle with tips of alternate leaves opposite to each other.
  3. Roll the stack of leaves firmly and continue adding paste to the roll with each turn.
  4. Tie thread to the roll to keep it in place. Steam this roll in a pressure cooker/closed pan for 15 minutes. Remember to remove the whistle from cooker.
  5. After 15 minutes of steaming, let the roll cool down for few minutes. This will help in hardening of the steamed leaves & paste.
  6. Cut smaller slices of this bundle for shallow frying or deep frying. Some people might also like the steamed version of Patra.
  7. For frying, heat some oil in pan; add sesame seeds & mustard seeds. Add the cut slices into the pan & fry till it turns golden brown.
  8. Garnish it with fresh cut coriander leaves.
  9. Patra is ready to be served. Relish the sweet-tangy crunchy Patra with chili sauce or tea.

    Alu Vadi/Patra
    Alu Vadi/Patra
My workarounds in the recipe-
  1. I did not have tamarind at home, so used Mango powder (aamchoor) as a replacement.
  2. For jaggery paste I had boiled jaggery pieces in hot water for 5 minutes.
  3. I had used a rolling pin to smoothen out thicker veins of the leaves & few leaves were broken in the process. Need more practice for this!
  4. If you do not like the sesame seeds, then they can be avoided while frying.

As I was preparing it for the first time, I took more than the estimated time of 30 minutes. Hope you like the recipe as much as I liked preparing & eating it.

Do share your thoughts about it – have you ever eaten it before or like it? Have I missed any steps in the preparation? What other evening snacks are your favorites? Looking forward to your response! If you liked this post, do shower us some love by commenting, liking & sharing the post.

(I am taking my Alexa Rank to the next level with #MyFriendAlexa at Blogchatter.)

Post Author: Dishki

105 thoughts on “A rainy evening with Patra(Alu Vadi) #MyFriendAlexa

    momtasticworld

    (17th September 2017 - 12:35)

    I am drooling looking at these clicks, i so wanna grab it from the pic and gobble it down hehehehe…

      Dishki

      (17th September 2017 - 17:40)

      Lol, lets invent a device for it!

    Ashwini Dodani

    (13th September 2017 - 09:48)

    Patra is one of the things I’d never say no. Good flow of the post 🙂

      Dishki

      (14th September 2017 - 00:59)

      Thanks a lot for visiting!

    ladynimue

    (13th September 2017 - 00:38)

    I had never tasted it till I got married into the UP pandita family. Husband loves it. Only thing , we don’t add tamarind and jaggery. That should be tried soon.

      Dishki

      (13th September 2017 - 13:10)

      Do we have it in UP? Strangely, I have never had it till I went to Mumbai & I was born and brought in Lucknow!

        ladynimue

        (13th September 2017 - 21:15)

        Not lucknow side. The banaras belt of UP. I think my MIL learned from her MIL too. She is from that zone

          Dishki

          (14th September 2017 - 01:03)

          Good to know that. There would be so many recipes around us which we are unaware of! 😀

    Natasha

    (11th September 2017 - 18:10)

    I love Patra and my mom-in-law makes it the best. Have never tried to make it myself, but really getting inspired by you. Thanks for such a delish start to my evening.

    https://natashamusing.com/2017/09/ruminating-ruins-fridayfictioneers/

      Dishki

      (11th September 2017 - 20:28)

      Thanks for visiting! 🙂

    Ruby Singh

    (11th September 2017 - 17:27)

    This is a popular snack dish at my home too and your pictures have got me craving for it so badly.

      Dishki

      (11th September 2017 - 20:27)

      Glad you liked it!

    Keerthi Vydyula

    (10th September 2017 - 20:09)

    It was just 2 days back my mom made these…we call it chaama aaku bajji in Telangana. Munching those steaming hot bajji’s while watching the rain and feeling that cool breeze is a heavenly feeling i must say!

    Diya@februaryreve

    (10th September 2017 - 17:43)

    I haven’t had this dish yet but it looks super yum.

      Dishki

      (10th September 2017 - 23:19)

      Glad you liked it!

    Isheeria's Healing Circles

    (10th September 2017 - 15:55)

    This sounds interesting. I have never heard or tried this dish. We don’t have this in Delhi. I’d love to try this someday.. it sounds delish!

      Dishki

      (10th September 2017 - 23:17)

      Yes, its a dish from Maharashtra. I am also unable find it anywhere in NCR at shops. But finding leaves was a surprising for me too.

        Isheeria's Healing Circles

        (11th September 2017 - 20:33)

        Hi.. you mean you get these leaves in NCR? where? or better still, how about you make some, and we meet up 🙂

          Dishki

          (11th September 2017 - 20:34)

          Sure, anything for a meetup 🙂

    anubhutisethmehn

    (10th September 2017 - 12:09)

    I have had the steamed version many a times…as I am in Surat (so half gujju now) , will try the fried version too 🙂

      Dishki

      (10th September 2017 - 12:30)

      My love for fried food does not permit me to have steamed version much. Though they are more healthier of the two!

    Avinash Gupta

    (10th September 2017 - 10:59)

    Wow. the flavors in the is so good- a must try

      Dishki

      (10th September 2017 - 11:23)

      Thank you. 🙂

    Reema D'souza

    (10th September 2017 - 10:56)

    I haven’t eaten it this way but back in Mangalore they have a different way. It comes pretty close to the steamed version you mentioned and it is served with a curry.
    Thanks for sharing this recipe. Will try it the next time I find these leaves.

      Dishki

      (10th September 2017 - 11:22)

      I will search for the Mangalore style of cooking it now. Glad you liked. 🙂

    Kuheli Bhattacharya

    (10th September 2017 - 06:25)

    My fav green leafy vegetable 🙂

      Dishki

      (10th September 2017 - 12:27)

      Thanks for visiting! 🙂

      Dishki

      (10th September 2017 - 12:28)

      I would soon land on your blog for more food adventures!

    Sheethal Susan Jacob

    (10th September 2017 - 06:11)

    Perfect munch for rainy day! Bliss!

    alpanadeo

    (10th September 2017 - 01:45)

    Yummy… I simply love alu vadi. Here I do not get Patra leaves that easily so I found an alternative for that. I use Collard Green leaves and luckily they came out very close to Patra.

      Dishki

      (10th September 2017 - 07:46)

      That’s great! Thanks for sharing the alternative. 🙂

    Shamik

    (10th September 2017 - 01:21)

    A perfect rainy day snack for the evening tea… Thank you for sharing the recipe. I being a foodie and for my love for cooking I should try it 🙂

      Dishki

      (10th September 2017 - 07:41)

      Glad you liked it!

    Gayatri

    (9th September 2017 - 23:50)

    Have eaten this in Mumbai but did not know the leaf is called Alu. Tempting recipe for a breezy rainy day. Will see if the leaves are available in Delhi. Do you suggest a replacement if not alu is not available ?

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 23:57)

      I am not sure,but spinach leaves might give a similar crunchy taste. Or it might lead to discovering a new recipe. 🙂

    Honey Prisha Lalwani

    (9th September 2017 - 23:21)

    Damn, i just finished my dinner and now i want to eat this!

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 23:27)

      A little midnight snack wont hurt anyone. 😉

    Ramya J.S. D'Rozario (@samantha_rjsdr)

    (9th September 2017 - 23:04)

    Definitely trying this someday. You’ve explained it so well. 🙂

    aseemrastogi2

    (9th September 2017 - 22:56)

    While I have never had this dish, it surely looks like a delicious snack
    :D.

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 23:14)

      Glad you like it! 🙂

    pythoroshan

    (9th September 2017 - 22:49)

    I’m not sure I’ve ever had these. Will have to check it out.

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 22:51)

      Sure, do let me know how it goes. 🙂

    zainab

    (9th September 2017 - 22:37)

    Oh, can I come over ? It looks great!

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 22:46)

      Sure, come over anytime. Would enjoy it more with lovely company. 🙂

    Vinay Leo R.

    (9th September 2017 - 21:53)

    We had this today at home. 🙂 Bought from outside, but it’s one my parents like a lot.

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 22:45)

      That’s great! It sure is one of my fav snacks. 🙂

    Atulmaharaj

    (9th September 2017 - 21:28)

    Paṛta was my weekend breakfast when I was in Ahmedabad. Loved it with Dhoklas. Thanks for the recipe.

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 22:43)

      Glad you liked it!

    Paresh Godhwani

    (9th September 2017 - 21:00)

    Patra is the staple food here in Gujarat. And this reminds of various kinds of it we get here.

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 22:43)

      Lucky you! Have never found it here in NCR at shops.

    Modern Gypsy

    (9th September 2017 - 20:57)

    I love patra! Whenever I go back home, I ask my mom to make some for me. I’ve never found colcasia leaves in Delhi.

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 22:42)

      By sheer luck, found it in the local market. Thanks for visiting! 🙂

    Varsh

    (9th September 2017 - 20:31)

    I’m a big Patra fan myself. We call it ‘pothi ke patte’ and our recipe is slightly different than yours. Any which way, it is yum!

    Varsh

    (9th September 2017 - 20:29)

    I’m a big Patra fan myself. We call it ‘pothi ke patte’ and our recipe is slightly different from yours. Any which way, it is yum! 🙂

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 20:46)

      I am learning so many names today for the same food. Do share your recipe, would love to try it out. 😀

    momsmethods

    (9th September 2017 - 20:09)

    I love Patra.. also known as pattarveli at my moms home. I’ve always eaten this outside, post marriage after moving into my home. But reading this recipe reminded me of my grandma preparing it … gonna try this very soon

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 20:45)

      Aww, eating food prepared by grandma is such a happy memory. 🙂

    Anchal

    (9th September 2017 - 19:11)

    That is a yummy recipe. Will try it out soon. Thank you for sharing 🙂

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 20:39)

      Glad you liked it.

    BellyBytes

    (9th September 2017 - 18:56)

    I actually deep fry this recipe and always keep a roll or two in the deep freezer to fry when someone drops in unexpectedly. I love the clean look of your blog.

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 20:38)

      That’s a great idea, I would freeze it the next time. Thanks a lot for visiting! 🙂

    Neha Gupta

    (9th September 2017 - 16:35)

    Wow thanks for sharing .. This looks yummy 🙂 I am definitely going to try it

    Neha (Sharing Our Experiences)

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 18:07)

      Glad you liked it!

    Neha

    (9th September 2017 - 16:33)

    I love Alu Vadi! Now I have this urge of making some 😛 Looking for the leaves now

    ashiot

    (9th September 2017 - 15:41)

    I love alu vadi!

    anupriya

    (9th September 2017 - 15:36)

    This is a snack I look forward to whenever I am at my mom’s place. You recipe was simple and bang on.

    Ruchie

    (9th September 2017 - 15:21)

    This is new recipie for me … thanks for shring this

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 15:39)

      Thanks for visiting! 🙂

    Geethica

    (9th September 2017 - 14:11)

    Hi Dishki, I love chattpate snacks with tea. And if rain accompanies then nothing like it. I have like your simple style of telling this recipe. I will try it soon.

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 15:37)

      Glad you liked it! 🙂

    Aesha

    (9th September 2017 - 13:27)

    Being a gujju we make patra a lot.But the preparation method is bit different. will try this variation too

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 13:33)

      I would love to try Gujju variation. 🙂

        Aesha

        (9th September 2017 - 13:35)

        We use sugar instead of jaggery and lemon instead of Aam churn or tamarind

          Dishki

          (9th September 2017 - 13:36)

          Okay, will surely try it the next time. 🙂

    anindya0909

    (9th September 2017 - 12:59)

    I have stayed in Mumbai and Pune for 4 years but never had this. The wrapping of the leaves gives it a diff texture altogether. Will look forward to more recipes like this.

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 13:18)

      Glad you liked it! 🙂

    Sonia Lalchandani

    (9th September 2017 - 12:30)

    Brings back some really happy childhood memories.. will definitely try it the next time I find colocasia leaves

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 13:17)

      Aww, happy to know that it reminds you of childhood. 🙂

    Mayuri Nidigallu

    (9th September 2017 - 11:28)

    I was not a big fan of Patra but I am a recent convert!:) Your simple recipe seems easy to follow, maybe I’ll just attempt making it someday.
    Thanks for sharing.

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 11:35)

      Thank you! 🙂

    Mahak @babyandbeyondin

    (9th September 2017 - 11:07)

    To be honest, I’ve never been very fond of patra. But your description of sitting in the balcony watching the rains with a cup of chai and snacks is exactly how enjoy the rains too.

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 11:09)

      Maybe Chai-samosa or chai-pakore might tempt you. Anything that helps in enjoying rains is welcome. 😀

    Gleefulblogger

    (9th September 2017 - 09:24)

    This reminds me years ago when I tasted Alu vadi at my neighbor’s house and how Aunty helped me in making it first time. Being in Mumbai Patra is easily available on all stall nooks but making it at home is a lovely affair. Thanks for sharing the recipe of keeps.

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 11:02)

      I miss being in Mumbai & savoring it. 🙁
      Thanks for visiting.

    Sadhuvi

    (9th September 2017 - 09:01)

    I am hearing about this snack for first time and it is interesting!!! I hope I would try making this!!

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 11:00)

      Sure, do let me know how it turns up. 🙂

    cherylsterling1955c

    (9th September 2017 - 08:37)

    I wish some of these ingredients were available in my area so I could try this recipe.
    I’m glad you found a favorite food to make for a rainy day.

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 10:59)

      Thanks for visiting! 🙂
      Glad you liked it.

    Hena Jose

    (8th September 2017 - 22:38)

    I have eaten it many times during my stay in Mumbai. But I never knew that Alu in Hindi means potato, but in Marathi Alu means colocasia.

      Dishki

      (9th September 2017 - 11:04)

      Haha, happened with me too. Even I was unaware of the different meanings for long time.

    richa singh (@richa_singh)

    (8th September 2017 - 21:31)

    I have eaten this many times last few years thanks to a Maharashtrian cook 😀 Personally? I don’t think will be able to recreate this super tasty dish !

      Dishki

      (16th September 2017 - 23:12)

      I would be happiest if my cook recreates it. I tried telling her & she did not look very happy about it! 😀

    Obsessivemom

    (8th September 2017 - 09:49)

    This looks delicious – a perfect deep friend rainy day snack.

      Dishki

      (8th September 2017 - 09:57)

      Glad you liked it. 🙂

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