Place 225 g colacasia in a saucepan, cover completely with water, and boil until fork-tender. Drain and let cool enough to handle, then peel the skins and mash the flesh smooth.
Warm 13.5 g vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté 150 g onion until browned.
Transfer the browned onions to a mixing bowl. Season with salt to taste, then incorporate the kebab spices, 4.8 g ginger, 50 g chickpea flour, 100 g coriander leaf, and the mashed colacasia, working everything into an even dough.
Portion the mixture into 8 equal balls, then press them into flat patties.
Spread 60 g breadcrumbs across a shallow plate and press each patty into the crumbs to coat all sides evenly.
Heat enough oil for deep-frying in a deep pan or kadhai to 180°C (350°F). Fry the patties in batches for 3 to 4 minutes until deeply browned and crisp, then lift out with a slotted spoon to drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Use 80% of the weight, finely shredded and browned slowly with a pinch of asafoetida. Replicates the bulk and natural sweetness in gravies without allium.
Use 300% to 400% of the weight (e.g. 3–4 g paste for 1 g ground). Fry in oil alongside onions; provides a juicy, pungent kick rather than a dry, baking-spice heat.
Peel and grate finely; use 300% to 400% of the weight. Add to the hot oil early; delivers bright, peppery warmth rather than the mellow, woody heat of dry ginger.
Use 50% of the weight and stir in near the end of cooking. Adds warmth and depth since it contains ground coriander, but introduces stronger spices like clove and cinnamon.
Use 50% of the weight mixed with equal parts ground coriander and a pinch of ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground green cardamom. Sprinkle near the end for a warming finish.
For crisping batters or binding cutlets: use 50% to 60% of the weight. Produces a very crisp shell but lacks the earthy, roasted nutty flavour of besan.