ALU CHA FATFATA/ ALUCHI PATAL BHAJI (Colocasia Leaves Gravy)

Alucha fatfate or aluchi patal bhaji is an authentic, traditional and typical Maharashtrian dish. Alu is called Colocasia leaves in English, which has many health benefits. A must try recipe for every monsoon.

Ingredients:

· Colocasia leaves (alu) with stems – 12-15

· Bengal gram (chana dal) – ¼ cup

· Raw peanuts – ¼ cup

· Water

· Besan – 1 ½ tbsp

· Jaggery – 1 ½ tbsp

· Tamarind pulp – 3 tbsp

· Fenugreek seeds – ¼ tsp

· Mustard seeds – 1 tsp

· Cumin seeds – ¾ tsp

· A sprig of curry leaves

· Hing – ¼ tsp

· Garlic – 1 tbsp (crushed)

· Green chilies – 2-3 (finely chopped)

· Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp

· Red chili powder – 2 tsp

· Garam masala – 1 tsp

· Grated coconut – 2 tbsp

· Salt

· Water

Method:

· Wash the Colocasia leaves in running water.

· Soak the peanuts in water for around 1 hour. You can also soak the chana dal if you want to add it. (I haven’t used chana dal (Bengal gram))

· Make a cut in the centre to separate the leaves and the stems. Now peel the Colocasia stems. Finely chop the leaves and stems.

· Now transfer the chopped Colocasia leaves, stem, (Chana dal) Bengal gram, peanuts in a pressure cooked, add 3/4th cup water. Cover and cook under pressure till 3-4 whistles are given out.

· Now in a pan slightly dry roast the besan till it is aromatic.

· Open the cooker once it depressurizes on its own. Add the roasted besan, jaggery, tamarind pulp and to the cooked Colocasia leaves.

· Now take a deep bottom pan, add oil, fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, let it splutter, now add hing, curry leaves. Now add crushed garlic and green chilies. Cook for 1-2 minutes.

· Now add turmeric powder, red chili powder and garam masala. Cook for 1-2 minutes on low flame. See to it that the spices don’t burn.

· Now add the cooked Colocasia leaves and give it a good mix. Adjust the salt and spices if required. Let it come to a boil.

· Finally add the grated coconut and give a good mix.

· Your monsoon special Alu cha Fatfata is ready to be served with rice or chapati.

***** When you cut these leaves you will start getting itching, to avoid this wipe your hands with Kokum juice.