As a wonderful meat substitute for vegetarians, jackfruit is in high demand in almost every household. A derivative from the tropical parts of Asia, and a native crop in the Western Ghats of India, it is now a trending fruit-cum-vegetable that has conquered the taste buds of food lovers all over. Jackfruit is rich in nutrients, including high potassium, protein, and vitamin B levels. The fruit’s seeds can also be consumed, leaving nothing for waste except the shell. Moreover, when partially cooked, it takes on a fleshy texture that closely replicates tendered meat, shredded chicken or pulled pork, making jackfruit even more versatile. The unripe fruit leaves a mild sweet taste that compliments any dish and blends well with Indian spices and seasonings. So, just in case anyone is trying to scale down the consumption of meat or simply enjoy this delicious tropical fruit in its many avatars, this article is for you.
Here are 8 ways to use this juicy fruit-cum-veggie.
1. Simple Jackfruit or Kathal Sabzi
Hailing from Northern India, this curry variation highlights the versatility of jackfruit as a beloved ingredient. With minor adjustments, it adapts to diverse taste preferences, pleasing every palate. When served alongside steamed rice or soft rotis, it creates a hearty and satisfying meal that celebrates the flavors of the North.
2. Jackfruit Biryani
People who relish mutton or chicken biryani must not miss out on the extraordinary delight of kathal biryani! A flawless twin of its meat counterpart, this tantalizing dish features long-grained, fragrant basmati rice cooked with the same aromatic spices. Enjoy succulent jackfruit as it takes the place of meat, offering a heavenly vegan alternative for biryani aficionados. Taste without compromise!
3. Panasa Pottu Kura
Prepared in a distinctive Andhra-style curry featuring coconut and mustard, it unveils a symphony of flavours. The tender jackfruit, creamy coconut, and zesty mustard blend together, creating an irresistible explosion of taste. As jackfruits reach their peak season, don’t miss the opportunity to savour the authentic essence of Andhra Pradesh’s culinary heritage. Try Panasa Pottu Kura today!
4. Illai Adai
This traditional sweet from Kerala, Illai Adai, is a delightful indulgence that warms the heart and brings comfort to the soul. Each steamed rice parcel embraces a lush and sweet jackfruit filling. Wrapped in fragrant banana leaves, it not only offers an authentic taste but also presents a visually captivating treat. Allow yourself to be charmed and transported to the enchanting land of Kerala’s this traditionally prepared delicacy.
5. Jackfruit chips
Jackfruit Chips or Chakka Upperi are an all-time teatime favourite that holds a special place in the hearts of South Indians. Originating from the region, this snack boasts an unparalleled chip experience with a delightful crunch. Rest assured, you’ll find yourself munching on them without a care in the world. To prepare these delectable chips, deep-fry the flesh of half-ripe jackfruit to perfection. For an extra flavour kick, sprinkle your favourite spices on top while they’re still warm. Better still, save time and effort by getting your hands on readymade jackfruit chips!
6. Jackfruit Idlis
Why settle for conventional idlis when you can embark on a flavour adventure with Jackfruit Idlis? These unique idlis, made without fermentation, are infused with the juicy fruit’s subtle sweetness and aromatic notes taking the traditional idli to a whole new level. The next time you’re feeling experimental, give these jackfruit idlis a try. Get ready to impress your taste buds and experience a culinary hit!
7. Black Chickpea and Jackfruit Stir Fry
This delectable Coorgi recipe is a stir fry made with kathal seeds and black chickpeas or kaala chana. It’s taste is enhanced by with freshly grated coconut and mix of freshly ground masalas. It is ideal to eat with hot rotis, also known as, ‘phulkas’.
8. Baby Jackfruit Korma
Experience the vegetarian delight that rivals its non-vegetarian counterpart: Kathal Korma. This delectable dish showcases tender jackfruit cubes cooked in a rich and aromatic gravy, reminiscent of traditional mutton korma. Indulge in the divine flavors of fragrant spices that elevate the jackfruit’s natural sweetness. Served piping hot with fluffy rice, it’s a culinary experience that will captivate vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
Now let’s make the ordeal of cooking it even simpler! Click here to buy readymade Korma Gravy Mix and simply replace mutton with jackfruit!
Also, try tender jackfruit, peeled Jackfruit, cut Jackfruit, and spicy Jackfruit pickle
Jackfruit jam
Jackfruit dosa
Jackfruit thoran
Jackfruit puzhukku
Excellent
Jackfuit payasam
Jackfuit ice cream (available in some ice cream parlours in TN)
Jackfuit papad (any decent appalam shop will stock this – has a sweet tinge)
Jackfuit seeds can be dried, peeled and pressure cooked and boiled in sambhar; apart from making dry sabzi.
Excellent
Jackfruit pickle, jackfruit seed bhaja
Jackfruit papad
As a Mangalorean (GSB), I take pride in sharing the below items we make out of raw and ripe and brined jackfruit.
When jackfruit season starts, we make varieties of dishes out of raw jackfruit.
1. Raw jackfruit papad
2. Raw jackfruit chips
3. Raw jackfruit fritters (Loved by all)
4. Raw jackfruit dry curry (sukka/chakko)
5. Raw jackfruit gravy based curry (Kadgi gashi)
6. Raw jackfruit (brined) stir-fry (salla upkari)
7. Raw jackfruit pickle (adgai)
While eating ripe jackfruit is a treat in itself, there are other amazing sweet dishes too.
1. Ripe jackfruit dosa
2. Ripe jackfruit idli
3. Ripe jackfruit fritters (phansa modak)
4. Ripe jackfruit steamed sweet in turmeric leaves (patholi)
5. Ripe jackfruit payasam
6. Ripe jackfruit halwa
7. Ripe jackfruit jam (murrabba)
Be that as it may, we collect the seeds of ripe jackfruit and dry them under sun for couple of days and store it for monsoon season or for the time when availability of vegetables is less.
In the olden days, specially during monsoon, the joy of roasting jackfruit seeds in the mud stove (chulha) and peeling the skin and eating hot seeds was next level fun.
With modernisation, since no one has chulha anymore, we pressure cook dried jackfruit seeds with salt and water and savour it.
Both roasted and pressure cooked seeds taste amazing.
We also make curries out of jackfruit seeds:
1. Jackfruit seed spicy curry (bikkand sagle)
2. Jackfruit seed deep-fry
3. Jackfruit seed sweet (obbatu/puran poli)
4. Jackfruit rind curry (sukka)
You’ll find the recipes for all the above dishes on YouTube. You can refer to Bhat ‘n’ Bhat channel on YouTube. Or search for GSB Konkani recipes.
Thanks!
Amazing. Thank you for sharing.
In which season is the jackfruit available?
supply ripe jack fruit in big basket