Idichakkai Thoran or Raw Jackfruit Sabzi
For our Tamil New Year, Vishu, we have a feast at home called saddya which means serving food on a banana leaf. The variety is enormous & once you are done eating, you are guaranteed to head for that long siesta. Since Jackfruit is in season during summers, we make a thoran or vegetable from the raw ones that is loaded with coconut & just too good to go along with a rasam (spiced tamarind based soup) & steamed rice with ghee / clarified butter.
Jackfruit is considered fruits of the future, a vegan, gluten free protein alternative to meat. It improves insulin sensitivity which is associated with sustainable weight loss and regulation of blood sugars. Jackfruit is low in fat & rich in fibre which helps reduce cholesterol level.
Cleaning & Chopping the Jackfruit –
Usually all the vendors peel the outer skin & wrap the same in a plastic or brown paper bag & sell. In case they don’t, you can follow Step 2 & 3, else directly start with step 4.
Wash the jackfruit.
Smear oil on your hands & with the help of sharp knife slice the jackfruit (just like you do for a pineapple). You will see the white sticky gum flowing out. Just gently dab a cloth or kitchen towel & immediately apply oil all over the jackfruit
Cut the jackfruit into medium sized chunks. Don’t discard the seeds that are tender. Once the jackfruit is cooked, the seeds will just melt in your mouth.
Add a glass of water, spread some salt & turmeric powder & pressure cook well for about 5-6 whistles (depends upon each cooker).
In a mixer, grind coconut & green chillies & keep aside.
Once cooled, drain excess water, mash the jackfruit nicely with a fork or a masher. Don't mash too much. It should resemble like shredded pieces.
In a kadhai or a non-stick pan, add coconut oil, once hot, add mustard seeds & let it crackle.
Add dry red chillies, curry leaves & add the mashed jackfruit into the kadhai, add salt if required, stir well. Add the grated coconut mixture in to this stir fry, mix well & switch off the gas.
Serve hot with Rasam Rice or Sambar Rice & some fried popadoms
Notes
While buying jackfruit / phanas / kathal, ensure the same is tender & not hard. If it is hard, the vegetable will be difficult to digest.
Keyword dessert recipe, regional recipe, south indian recipe