In a bowl, add gram flour, salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, hing, ajwain, green chilli paste, ginger paste, garam masala, white sesame seeds, tamarind water, and jaggery mixture.
Add the required amount of water to make a medium-thick batter (refer to the video).
Then add hot oil and mix well. Also, whisk the batter in one direction for 2-3 minutes.
Keep it aside.
Preparing Patra
Clean the colocasia leaves by trimming their thick stalks and veins from the bottom side using a knife. Trim all the leaves in this way and keep them aside.
Take a plate with holes in it and grease it. Now take one leaf and apply the batter on it. Arrange another leaf in the opposite direction and apply the batter on it. Arranging the leaves in opposite directions forms layers between the leaves (refer to the video).
Steaming Patra
In a steamer, add 3 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
Arrange the plate and cover it with a lid. Steam the patra for 15 minutes on high flame.
The best way to check if they are cooked is to insert a knife in the middle. If it comes out clean, the patra is done.
Switch off the flame and let it rest.
Cut them into pieces.
Patra with Tempering
In a pan, add oil, mustard seeds, white sesame seeds, hing, and curry leaves. Sauté for a minute.
Then add 2 tbsp of water and bring it to a boil.
Add the patra pieces into the tempering and coat them well.
Lower the flame and simmer for 5 minutes.
Switch off the flame and add lemon juice and chopped coriander.
Keep covered for 2-3 minutes and then serve.
Notes
The consistency of the besan batter should be medium thick and pour in a ribbon-like manner.
If the batter is too thick, the patra will become hard, and if the batter is too thin, the layers will not form properly.
Whisk the batter for 2-3 minutes to incorporate air particles, making it light and fluffy.
Arrange the leaves in opposite directions so that layers form between the leaves.
Steam the patra on medium-high flame for 15 minutes.
Allow the cooked patra to cool down, then cut it into pieces.
Patra taste great when it is prepared spicy and serve hot.