Chakka Pradhaman (Ripe Jackfruit Kheer)

I want to proudly present a recipe which my Grandma used to make with infinite dedication and pride!Kerala being a coastal region has a lot of produce especially coconuts,rice and jackfruits.These jackfruits are had both raw and ripe and are delicious in whatever avatar they take!I have posted some recipes using raw Jackfruits which are a great tasting Biryani and a delicious pickle!But this is made with the yellow ripe fruits. Pradhaman is a pudding or lets say it in the “desi” style – a Kheer where the main ingredient is Coconut.We extract Coconut Milk and use that and then we chop the Coconut meat into small pieces,fry in ghee and add on top of the Pradhaman.It is served just this way but some people like to add Raisins and Cashews!Pradhaman is made with Ada (a South Indian Pasta made with rice flour),Jackfruit or even ripe Bananas!So we make Chakka Pradhaman today!(Chakka(called Chakkai pronounced like I) is the South Indian meaning for Jackfruit) Making this Pradhaman used to take a lot of time as a lovely Jackfruit Jam called Chakka Varatti was prepared!Then fresh Coconuts used to be grated and the milk extracted. These days we get packed Chakka Varatti in the market.It can also be sourced online and brands like Thankam and Double Horse sell readymade Chakka Varatti.So just get a pack and proceed to make this infinitely delicious Pradhaman for Onam! The colour of the Pradhaman depends on the colour of the Jaggery used.Dark jaggery gives a deep brown Pradhaman and a light brown for light brown or cream coloured Jaggery!