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Crispy, savory fritters made from tender colocasia leaves coated in a spiced gram flour batter. This classic Bengali monsoon snack is wonderfully crunchy on the outside and soft inside, perfect with a cup of tea.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Taro Leaves
Make the Batter
Heat the Oil
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Crispy, savory fritters made from tender colocasia leaves coated in a spiced gram flour batter. This classic Bengali monsoon snack is wonderfully crunchy on the outside and soft inside, perfect with a cup of tea.
This bengali recipe takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 279.85 calories per serving with 8.74g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for snack or appetizer or side.
Coat and Fry the Fritters
Drain and Serve
For added flavor and texture, mix 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onion and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic into the batter.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of amchur (dry mango powder) to the batter for a subtle tangy flavor that complements the earthiness of the leaves.
For a lower-fat version, you can try cooking these in an air fryer. Spray the coated leaves with a little oil and air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Note that the texture will be less crispy than the deep-fried version.
Taro leaves are a good source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
These leaves contain significant amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, antioxidants that are essential for maintaining healthy vision, boosting the immune system, and promoting skin health.
The batter is made from besan (gram flour), which is a good source of plant-based protein, necessary for building and repairing tissues in the body.
The itchy sensation is caused by calcium oxalate crystals present in taro leaves. Carefully removing the thick central vein and cooking the leaves thoroughly helps to break down these compounds and prevent irritation.
As a deep-fried snack, it is high in calories and fat and should be consumed in moderation. However, the taro leaves themselves are nutritious, providing fiber, vitamins A and C, while the besan batter offers plant-based protein.
A typical serving of 3 fritters contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil absorbed during frying.
Yes, you can prepare the batter up to 4-5 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to fry the fritters just before serving.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. To reheat and restore some crispness, place them in a preheated oven or an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes.
While taro leaves are traditional for their unique texture, you can experiment with large spinach leaves or pumpkin leaves. The taste and texture will be different, but they can be a good substitute.