Certain dishes are traditionally associated with specific festivals. These combinations vary by region, as each region has its own special dishes. Goa also has some unique traditional foods, some of which are closely tied to particular festivals. For instance, Nag Panchami and Patolyo, Ganesh Chaturthi (known as Chavath) and Nevryo (Karanji), Diwali and Pohe.
As Nagpanchami approaches, turmeric leaves start appearing in the market. Women also start asking each other, “Are you making Patolyo this year?”
So, let’s look at how to make these Patoleo today.
The first and most essential ingredient for Patolyo is turmeric leaves. This association is so strong that many people refer to turmeric leaves as “Patolyo leaves.”
Let’s start by looking at the ingredients needed for Patolyo.
Ingredients:
* 7-8 turmeric leaves
* 1 large bowl of rice flour
* 1 bowl of grated fresh coconut
* ¾ bowl of jaggery
* 1 tablespoon of white sesame seeds
* 3-4 cardamom pods, powdered
* A pinch of salt
* 1 tablespoon of ghee
Method:
1. First, wash the turmeric leaves thoroughly. If the leaves are large, cut them into two or three pieces.
2. Mix water and a little salt into the rice flour to form a thick batter.
3. In a pan, heat some ghee. Add the sesame seeds, fresh coconut, and jaggery, and sauté well. Once the mixture starts coming together, add a pinch of salt and the cardamom powder, mix well, and turn off the heat.
4. Take a turmeric leaf, spread the rice flour batter over it, and then layer the coconut filling on top. Fold the leaf vertically or horizontally. Repeat this process with all the leaves, filling them with the rice flour batter and coconut mixture.
5. In a large pot, bring some water to a boil. Place a steamer basket or colander over the pot, arrange the prepared Patolyo in it, cover, and steam on medium heat for about 15 minutes.
6. Once cooled, serve the Patoleo either with or without the leaves.
These Patolyo, infused with the fragrance of turmeric leaves, are so delicious that you can eat as many as you like. Your stomach may be full, but your heart will still crave more. That’s how delightful Patolyo are!
