Jackfruit Mash Kerala style is naturally VEGAN flavorful dish locally called chakka puzhukku. Jackfruit recipes in typically home style preparation is loved by Malayalis. Poor man's powerhouse food that has seen him through famines and recently covid too. Jackfruit by itself is a blank canvas that absorbs all the flavors added. Here the heat from the chilies, nuttiness of the coconut, and aromatic garlic, curry leaves and coconut oil makes it a true Kerala delicacy.
Here I am using widely available frozen jackfruit, keeping in mind all the non natives and new converts. Perfect GLUTEN-FREE, budget-friendly traditional delicacy for those first timers seeking an authentic taste of South Indian culinary heritage.
It is an inexpensive and extensively available fruit in Kerala for most people with big backyards. They usually have 1-2 of these fruit bearing trees that produce 50-100 fruits a year. Everything other than the lates and the green outer spikes go into making savory and sweet dishes year round. Jackfruit recipes in full glory here.
If you are familiar with this ginormous fruit you know how hard it is to clean, slice and get it ready to cook jackfruit recipes from scratch. Nothing like the taste of fresh ones I get back home but here the convenience and ready to cook aspect should be taken into account.
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam) is a rich source of vitamin C, potassium, calcium. It can regulate diabetics, stabilizing your blood sugar levels (not spiking) like other carbs , anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant cancer guarding properties are other known benefits.
WHY YOU SHOULD TRY THIS RECIPE?
Healthy, paleo diet friendly, flavorful VEGAN, GLUTEN- FREE preparation everyone will love.
A main course recipe that is insanely simple to make. This coconut flavored vegetable mash can go with any grilled meat or spicy food. Simply replace boring mashed potatoes with jackfruit mash for a change.
- TASTE: The coconut, fresh curry leaves and green chili trio is a proven flavor combination that can elevate any clean spongy vegetable to the next level.
- TEXTURE: The fruit is really moist and mashed and slightly fibrous. The coconut and spice mixture is coarse and bring a burst of flavor to the dish.
- TIME: Takes 15-20 minutes on stove top.
- EASE: Cooking this savory dish is a breeze!
INGREDIENTS
Jackfruit : Raw fruit is sometimes fibrous and extremely good for your gut. If using fresh green jackfruit then Varika chakka or Koozha chakka is fine. *Use jackfruit seeds cut small pieces too for the nutty bite in mash and tastes really good.
Coconut and coconut oil : The only true companion for traditional Kerala dishes. Be generous on this and tastes awesome. 🙂 of course fresh curry leaves is its undisputed partner.
Spices and flavorings : This part varies from home to home so go by your taste.
Word of caution :
- Adding fresh garlic or a lot of small onion can leave you with a smelly breath. Hence avoid the pungent smell instead use garlic powder and onion powder.
- This fruit can cause gastric issues. Hence eat this only in moderation and only for lunch not advisable for dinner.
FAQS
What is jackfruit ?
A tropical tree fruit found in South Asia, South America and Africa. It can weigh anywhere from 100-120 pounds. An excellent meat substitute, versatile and not so easily available 🙂 superfood.
Jackfruit benefits
Unripe fruit has nearly half the glycemic load (glucose level) of rice or wheat, making it a potent carbohydrate replacement for diabetics. The high potassium content of jackfruit lowers high blood pressure, and its high flavonoid and antioxidant content guards against cancer.
How to cook jackfruit?
steam, cook, bake and fry like chips the raw fruits. Eat ripe fruit straight as are really sweet as it is. Savory and sweet dishes everything other than the green outer spikes and latex. Raw fruits go to savory dishes and fries, ripe goes to pudding, halwas and preserves. The seeds without its waxy shield tastes excellent in savory dishes. The core is a meat substitute. Keep in mind that each part of the fruit has different cooking time and texture.
What does jackfruit taste like?
Young green jackfruit, has a neutral flavor and texture similar to shredded meat, making it a popular meat substitute in savory dishes.
Where can I find jackfruit ?
Indian stores have fresh during summers and frozen and canned is available year round. Look for unsweetened, raw tender green jackfruit for savory dishes.
In frozen section daily delight is my go to Indian brand and in canned I like Chaokoh.(Thailand brand).Most Asian stores and Trader Joes carry some form of this fruit.
Who should avoid jackfruit?
People with Kidney disease should avoid this fruit as it has high content of potassium. People withBirch pollen allergy should avoid too.Indigestion and bloating can also be induced with the consumption of this fruit.
HOW TO MAKE JACKFRUIT MASH KERALA STYLE :
Chakka vevichathu / Chakka kuzhachathu / Chakka puzhukku are all various names by which the dish goes locally. From the way jackfruit once mashed cannot tends to turn into a blob came the saying chakka kuzhachathu pole loosely translates to once you get in trouble then you spin in that.
If you understand the nuances of cooking the texture then on close observation you will find the difference in a manual hand stone grinder and a electric mixee/blender made food . Each particle is crushed not cut into finer pieces. When you have no access to such primitive stone grinding techniques your best tool is the palm of your hand. Simply work by massaging the coconut and the other ingredients together for a few minutes to achieve the desired effect.How interesting right!
Buy sliced or shredded green fruit for convenience. Sprinkle enough water for the to cook without drying out.
As the jackfruit cooks it will start loosing its shape. You can keep it chunky for eye appeal. A full pasty mash doesn't look appetizing.
SERVING AND STORAGE :
- Serve the jackfruit mash as a hearty meal or a delicious side. For best taste serve it warm soon after cooking . Usually a scoop or two of is served as a side dish with matte red rice, red fish curry. Any vegetable stir fry (carrot beans thoran here) and a pickle( gooseberry pickle is seen in pic)
- Leftovers Refrigerate leftovers up to two days in an airtight container without much flavor loss. Reheat before serving in a microwave .
- Make ahead a day before and refrigerate. Remember fresh is best. Do not leave it on the counter as this fruit can go stale quickly and will give a tummy upset.
Other jackfruit recipes popular on the blog:
Jackfruit Mash
Ingredients
- 400 gms Green jackfruit
- 1 - 1.5 cup Coconut grated
- 1 Small onion
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1-2 Green chili
- 1.5 tsp Garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- 3-4 tsp Coconut oil
- 2 spins Curry leaves
Instructions
- In a wide mouth heavy bottom non stick pan put the frozen jackfruit. Add a teaspoon of coconut oil. Como turmeric powder. Sprinkle some water. Cover and cook until 3/4 done.
- Meanwhile, in another bowl, add all the ingredients given under crush coarsely, apply good pressure with the palm of your hand massage,squeeze and mix thoroughly. Keep aside.
- When the jackfruit is 90% cooked, make a well in the center of the well by moving the jackfruit to the sides. Add the coarsely, mixed coconut mixture into the center cover on top with the jackfruit, sprinkle little water on top cover with the lid cook for another 5 to 6 minutes .
- When the jackfruit is completely cooked. Add some crushed curry leaves on top and spread some coconut oil on top of the jackfruit. Allow this to sit for a few
Hope you like this typical Kerala style everyday dish chakka kuzhachathu or a try and let me know if I should write more jackfruit recipes here.
Meena
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