Patoleo (Steamed Stuffed Turmeric Leaves) Recipe

Steamed rice-stuffed turmeric leaves flavored with cardamom.

Prep Time: 30 minutes, with overnight rice soak

Serves: 5

Ingredients:

• 10 turmeric leaves
• 2 cups rice#AD, soaked overnight, drained, and ground in a food processor, add water back in if necessary to make a thick paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil#AD, ghee#AD, or butter
• 1 cup jaggery#AD
• 2 cups shredded coconut#AD
• 1 teaspoon cardamom#AD, ground
• Salt, to taste, optional

Directions:

• Wash turmeric leaves and pat dry.
• Heat oil, ghee, or butter in heavy-bottomed pan over low heat.
• Add jaggery#AD, coconut#AD, cardamom#AD, and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixed well, about 2-3 minutes.
• Turn off heat and let cool.
• Spread 2 tablespoons of ground rice mixture over the inside of each turmeric leaf, leaving space around the edges.
• Place 1 teaspoon jaggery mixture over rice mixture on each turmeric leaf.
• Fold the edges of the turmeric leaves over, pressing together to seal.
• Place turmeric leaves in steamer and steam for about 10 minutes.

Serve warm or cold, with leaves on, but peel them off prior to eating the stuffing.