Jackfruit Seed Recipes
If you've ever had jackfruit before you know how sweet, juicy and mouthwatering the jackfruit pods' flesh tastes! But what about those pesky little seeds you have to eat around?
Imma let you in on a little secret, if you boil the seeds (takes 10 minutes MAX in a pressure cooker!), cook em good, and husk them you'll have tasty morsels of deliciousness. Very similar to the texture of a chestnut, although not as sweet and more nutty (my not-so-very-sweet sweet tooth thanks the Nature Gods)! Gaya approved!!
Also, Gaya is really enjoying this vegetarian life, SO MANY NOMMY OPTIONS! Although... the broski doesn't much approve. In his words, "when will you start eating like a normal person?" Hmmm, perhaps I should consider dabbling in non-veg food to appease the household's palate since I haven't been able to convert the li'l meat eater?
What would YOU like to see? Some non veg options? Comment below, I'd love to know what you''d like to see more of!
Jackfruit Seeds Love I kid you not, I LOVE jackfruit seeds. Sure, it has Vitamin B that helps the skin, eyes and hair and it's got so much fibre it makes you feel full quickly (and use the toilet VERY well) but it's the taste and texture that has me going back for more... it's ON POINT!
Whenever I go back to Kerala during the jackfruit season (the best season after mango season <3) I always try and get a chance to eat my gran's jackfruit and jackfruit seeds curry. Double combo, double WIN. The texture is just right! You sink into the sweetness of the jackfruit and you get a crunchy bite from the seeds. Alas, I digress. In HK we didn't have the jackfruit to make this curry so, we did the next best thing - make TWO jackfruit seed dishes. <3 <3 <3
But first, where do you get these nutty versions of chestnuts? Well, you have two main options: go to an Indonesian/ Thai store to try out your luck for reasonably priced jackfruit and the jackfruit seeds within them OR come check out Kerala's traditions FIRST HAND! I vote the second option! Hit me up and I'd be happy to help you create a travel plan for you whilst you're in 'The Land of Coconuts/ God's Own Country :)
Jackfruit Seeds Thoran & Jackfruit Seeds Mezhukkupuratti
Thoran is basically a stir fry with grated coconuts. Which is ideal to bring out the flavour for vegetables that have a subtle taste. Like the carrots and beans thoran we made earlier and these jackfruit seeds or chakkakuru as it's called locally.
Chakka = Jackfruit. By some accounts, it's said that it's from the word "chakka" that the name "jackfruit" derived from as jackfruit originated from the Western Ghats in Kerala. #FunFact!
Kuru = Seed.
Although jackfruit seeds have a distinct taste and texture, in the spice world of Kerala, and India by extension, it could do with an extra oomph! In Kerala, that means... bring on the coconuts and spices!
Mezhukkupuratti is an even simpler stir fry with most of the flavours coming from the aromatics added (namely onions and garlic) instead of from the added flavours of the grated coconut as above.
Between the two, I'm defo Team Thoran. Did I mention I like spices? Spices and coconuts, can't imagine a better combo!!
Kitchen Essentials
So now that we know how it works, let's see 'em in action!
If you do make these dishes, do share your pics or tag me on Instagram (@ayurfit) or Facebook (@ayurfitblog). You'd make my DAY! <3 <3 Y'all are the absolute BEST. Thanks for reading and enjoying!
Instructions
How to Husk Jackfruit Seeds
Place un husked seeds into a pressure cooker, add 3 cups water (seeds should be completely soaked). On medium heat, cook seeds for 4 whistles.
Once steam completely evaporates, take out jackfruit seeds and husk. Seeds should be soft, so just cut the seeds in half, lengthwise and again in thirds.
Cooking Mezhukkupuratti
In a wok, on high flame, heat oil. Once hot, lower flame to medium and splutter mustard seeds. Add onions and garlic, saute till translucent.
Reduce to low flame, add sliced jackfruit seeds, turmeric powder, chilli powder, pepper, curry leaves. and salt as required. Saute till seeds are lightly browned.
Serve with rice and enjoy :)
Note:
When husking the jackfruit seeds, it's easier to remove the husks if you cut the seeds. You'll have to cut the seeds later anyway, so you may as well do it at this stage :)
Another point, it doesn't matter if some of the brown skin remains or is removed. Extra fibre if the brown skin remains, though :)
Instructions
How to Husk Jackfruit Seeds
Place jackfruit seeds into a pressure cooker, add 3 cups water (seeds should be completely soaked). On medium heat, cook seeds for 3 whistles.
Once steam completely evaporates, take out jackfruit seeds and husk. Seeds should be soft, so just cut the seeds in half, lengthwise and again in thirds.
Cooking Chakkakuru Thoran
Start with the tempering. In a wok, on high heat, heat the oil. Once hot, lower heat to low and splutter mustard seeds, then add red chilli and curry leaves. Saute till red chilli turns colour (approx 30 - 60 seconds).
Immediately, add sliced jackfruit seeds, water, turmeric powder and salt. Turn heat up to medium-high and cover. Cook the jackfruit seeds whilst soaking in the spices (approx 4-5 minutes).
In a grinder add black pepper, cumin seeds, chilli powder and garlic. Grind to a paste. Next, add onions, whizz lightly for few seconds. Lastly, add grated coconut whizz roughly (aim for a coarse consistency - not like a paste).
Once water has evaporated from pan, add the coconut mixture. Mix well. Add salt as required. Cook for 2-3 minutes till spices are well incorporated and no longer raw.
Serve with rice and enjoy! :)
Note:
Husking the jackfruit seeds
When husking the jackfruit seeds, it's easier to remove the husks if you cut the seeds. You'll have to cut the seeds later anyway, so you may as well do it at this stage :)
Another point, it doesn't matter if some of the brown skin remains or is removed. Extra fibre if the brown skin remains, though :)
Cooking Chakkakuru Thoran
This is my supremely lazy way of cooking everything in one pan. Technically, water isn't added to tempering, however, with the jackfruit seeds' subtle taste, this helped infuse more flavour into the seeds. So, you can either follow the recipe as above or complete step 1 last and add this tempering to the jackfruit curry once completely cooked.
