Colocasia Curry which is called Arbi in local language is a popular dish in Indian cuisine, especially in regions like North India and Gujarat. It is often prepared in households and is also served in restaurants specialising in regional Indian cuisine.

Colocasia curry can be made in various ways. You can make it with gravy or dry. In this recipe we will show how to make Dry colocasia curry using Besan. 

There are many health benefits of eating colocasia / Arbi. Colocasia is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. It provides energy, helps in digestion and contributes to overall health. Why we are using Besan is because it’s rich in protein, fiber and various nutrients. It helps in managing blood sugar levels and is gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams colocasia (arbi), 
• 1 cup besan (gram flour)
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• Water, as needed
• Oil for frying
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 4-5 Curry leaves (optional)
• Pinch of Hing (asafoetida)

Instructions:

1. Take 500 grams colocasia and wash it well 
2. In a pan heat water and boil the colocasia for about 15- 20 minutes.
3. Once boiled let it cool down completely. Now you can remove the outer layer of colocasia / Arbi
4. Slice the colocasia in small round pieces 
5. In a separate bowl take 1 cup Besan and add 1 teaspoon red chilli powder, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon coriander powder and salt to taste
6. Now take a pan and add oil. You can use oil as required. 4-5 tablespoon as we are using Besan in this recipe and it requires more oil to properly cook.
7. Once the oil is hot add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
8. Once the mustard seeds splutter add the colocasia/ Arbi pieces to the pan and give it a mix
9. Now add the Besan mix in the pan and stir it well
10. Mix everything well and let it cook for about 20 -25 minutes. Check in between if it’s properly cooked or not 
11. If you like it more crispy then you can keep it for some more time on stove for cooking
12. The dry colocasia curry is now ready. You can eat it with roti or rice.

You can add various spices and herbs to the besan batter for additional flavor. Some variations include adding ajwain (carom seeds), amchur (dry mango powder), or kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to the batter.

Fried colocasia curry with besan is a flavorful and nutritious dish enjoyed in many Indian households. With its versatile preparation and health benefits, it’s a popular choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.

While fried colocasia curry is delicious, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high oil content. You can explore healthier cooking methods like baking or air-frying as alternatives. Instead of frying, you can also prepare a gravy-based colocasia curry by cooking the sliced colocasia in a spiced tomato or yogurt-based gravy. This variation is known as “arbi ki sabzi” and is popular in many Indian households