PatoLya

    हळदीच्या  पानातल्या पातोळया   (Stuffed pancakes steamed in  turmeric leaf)

 Turmeric or हळद /हल्दी  (Curcuma longa) is a herbaceous perennial plant from the Ginger family. Turmeric powder is made by boiling and drying fresh rhizomes of the plant by a lengthy process.
These leaves have a peculiar fragrance which gives a specific taste to the recipe.
Generally the fresh rhizomes are sown in the middle of May or before the monsoon begins, and you get these fresh leaves till monsoon is over. Then slowly the leaves turn yellow and you get the fresh turmeric rhizomes in the soil again which can be stored for the use in the following season.

Today is हरितालिका तृतीया, which is also called as 'TEEJ' in other states of India. The previous day of Lord Ganesha's arrival or Ganesh chaturthi. Goddess Parvati is offered this नैवेद्य .

Ingredients

5-6 fresh turmeric leaves

For the cover
1/2 cup rice flour
water to make a thick paste of the flour
a pinch of salt

For the stuffing
1/2 cup jaggery (grated)
1- 1 1/2 cup grated coconut
1-2 cardamoms(powdered)

Method
Heat the jaggery in a pan till it softens a little. Mix in the  grated coconut. Cook by stirring continuously on a low or medium low flame till it becomes dry so that it can be spread with a spoon ( not too dry).  You can add grated coconut if required to adjust the consistency. Let it cool.
Take rice flour in a bowl and slowly add water to make a thick smooth paste. Add salt to taste.
Apply little oil on the surface of each leaf.
Spread the rice paste over the leaf evenly with the spoon.
Spread the thin layer of the stuffing only on the half portion of the leaf as shown above.
Fold the leaf in half and press gently to close the sides.
Cook in a pressure pan/cooker without whistle/weight for 15-20 minutes.
Serve with sajook toop or ghee.