Prepare the Batter:*
- Wash and soak *red boiled rice* for *8 hours*. Drain well.
- In a mixer jar, grind:
- *5-6 Byadagi chillies, **1 tbsp coriander seeds, **1 tbsp jeera, **tamarind, **salt, and the **soaked rice*.
- Use *minimal water* to keep the batter *thick and smooth*.
(Note: Extra tamarind helps neutralize the itchiness from colocasia leaves.)
- Transfer the batter to a bowl, mix in *rice flour* and *sliced colocasia leaves. The batter should be **thick* (helps absorb gravy later).
Steam the Pathrode Cake:*
- Heat an *idli steamer* with water.
- Grease a plate, line with *butter paper* (for easy removal), and spread the batter evenly.
- Steam for *20-25 minutes* (check with a fork—if it comes out clean, it’s done).
- Let it cool, then cut into pieces.
Prepare the Masala Gravy:*
- In a pan, heat *oil* and roast:
- *Grated coconut, **7-8 Byadagi chillies, **1 tsp jeera, **poppy seeds/cashews, **cinnamon, **cloves, **pepper, **ginger-garlic, **tomato, **half onion, and **turmeric*.
- Add a small piece of *tamarind, grind into a **fine paste*.
- In a kadai, heat *oil, sauté the **remaining onion* until soft.
- Add the *ground masala, fry for **2-3 minutes*.
- Pour in *1½ glasses water, season with **salt, and bring to a **boil*.
Combine & Serve:*
- Gently add the *steamed Pathrode pieces* to the gravy.
- Simmer on *medium heat* until the pieces absorb the masala (covered, *5-7 minutes*).
Serve hot!*