Patwadi or Patodi Rassa

Today I am sharing a very different recipe with you. It is a typical Maharashtrian Rassa ot Curry and not many people know it. The name of the dish is Patwadi or Patodi Rassa Bhaji. The procedure involves making the Patwadis or Patodis (Gram flour or Besan vadis) and then adding them to the curry. The concept is kind of similar to Gatte ki subzi, a specialty from Rajasthan, but the taste is totally different as the procedure and masalas are different.

Procedure to make Patwadis: 

Mix together 1/2 cup besan, 1 tsp red chilly powder, 1 tsp clove powder, 1 tsp poppy seeds, 2 tbsp fresh shredded coconut, 1 tbsp yoghurt, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp ajwain, 2 tsp oil, salt to taste and 1 cup water. Put the mixture in a thick bottom pan, and cook for 4-5 mins stirring continuously so that there are no lumps. Then cover and cook for 4 -5 mins more on medium low heat. Take care to keep stirring so that the mixture does not stick to the bottom. When the besan/gramflour is fully cooked and kind of thick, transfer it to a greased plate, spread it around the plate and let it cool. Cut it into small squares or diamonds. At this point the patwadis can be eaten as is or put in a curry.

Procedure for making Curry or Rassa:
Take a pan and put 1 tbsp oil and fry 1 &1/2 cup chopped onion (till they are golden brown), then add 1 cup chopped tomatoes, 1 tsp poppy seeds, 1 tsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp sesame seeds, 1/4 tsp cloves, 1 inch ginger, 4-5 garlic cloves, 2 chopped green chillies, salt to taste and 2 tsp maharashtrian goda masala or garam masala and fry for 5 mins. Grind everything to a smooth paste.

Final Assembly:

Take another pan and  put 1 tbsp oil. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and  when they crackle, add 1/4 tsp asofoetida, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chilly powder and some curry leaves. Add the paste and bring it to a boil. Then add the patwadi or patodi pieces and cook for 4-5 mins. Garnish with cilantro and serve with Roti or Poli.

Note: The traditional curry has a lot of oil floating on top, but being health conscious, I have added only as much oil as necessary. You can adjust the amount of oil as per your preference.