Jackfruit Pickle Kathal ka Achar

Jackfruit is often hailed as the most versatile tropical fruit and is a staple in Kerala and South Indian cuisine. Whether ripe or unripe, it finds its way into sweet and savory dishes alike. Its adaptability has even earned it the title of Kerala’s official state fruit.

• Ripe jackfruit: Sweet, honey-like flavor, used in desserts
• Tender jackfruit (unripe): Meaty texture, perfect for curries and stir-fries
• Neutral flavor: Makes it ideal for a wide range of culinary styles

🛒 In the US? Look for jackfruit at Whole Foods, or Asian and Indian markets.

Nutritional Benefits of Jackfruit

Jackfruit isn’t just tasty—it’s good for you!

✅ High in fiber
✅ Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium
✅ Used as a plant-based meat alternative

1. Chakka Puttu – Steamed Jackfruit Rice Cake

A traditional Kerala breakfast made healthy and flavorful with jackfruit.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice flour (puttu podi)
• 10–12 jackfruit bulbs (chopped)
• 1 cup grated coconut
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1/3 tsp salt
• 5–8 cumin seeds (optional)
• Water as needed

Steps:

1. Mix rice flour with ¾ of the coconut.
2. Sprinkle sugar + salt mixed water till the flour is damp like wet sand.
3. Mix in half of the chopped jackfruit.
4. Layer in puttu maker: coconut → jackfruit → flour → jackfruit → coconut.
5. Steam for 4–5 minutes.
6. Serve warm with tea or coffee.

2. Chakka Vattal – Jackfruit Chips

Crunchy, golden chips made the authentic Kerala way with coconut oil.

Ingredients:

• ½ kg raw jackfruit bulbs
• ⅓ tsp turmeric
• Salt
• Curry leaves (optional)
• 3 cups coconut oil

Steps:

1. Slice bulbs into thin wedges.
2. Toss with turmeric.
3. Deep fry in hot oil (add curry leaves first for flavor).
4. Sprinkle salt or turmeric-salt-water mix while removing.
5. Drain and store in air-tight containers.

3. Chakka Halwa – Jackfruit Fudge

Sticky, sweet Kerala-style halwa with coconut milk and jaggery.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup rice flour
• 1 cup jackfruit puree
• 4 cups coconut milk
• 250g jaggery
• ½ cup sugar
• 3 tbsp ghee
• 3 tbsp coconut oil
• ¼ cup chopped nuts
• ½ tsp cardamom, ⅛ tsp dry ginger (optional)

Steps:

1. Make jaggery syrup and strain.
2. Mix coconut milk + syrup + flour + puree.
3. Cook till thick, add ghee and oil gradually.
4. Add sugar, spices, and nuts.
5. Cook till oil separates, pour into a greased tray.
6. Cool for 3–4 hours, cut and enjoy!

4. Idichakka Thoran – Tender Jackfruit Stir Fry

A dry stir-fry packed with flavor and coconut.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups tender jackfruit (cooked & shredded)
• 1 cup grated coconut
• ½ cup pearl onions
• Spices: turmeric, garlic, cumin, green & red chili
• Curry leaves, mustard seeds, coconut oil

Steps:

1. Cook jackfruit with turmeric and water. Shred.
2. Crush coconut mix (onions + garlic + spices).
3. Sauté mustard seeds, curry leaves, onions.
4. Add jackfruit + coconut mix, stir-fry until dry.
5. Serve with rice.

5. Chakkakuru Mezhukkupuratti – Jackfruit Seeds & Yard Beans Stir Fry

A classic combo dish, savory and spicy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped yard beans
• 15 jackfruit seeds (boiled, peeled, chopped)
• Shallots, garlic, curry leaves
• Spices: red chili flakes, turmeric, pepper
• 1½ tbsp coconut oil, mustard seeds

Steps:

1. Cook seeds + beans with turmeric, pepper, water.
2. Sauté mustard seeds, shallots, curry leaves, and chili.
3. Add cooked mix, stir-fry until dry and crispy.
4. Finish with coconut oil drizzle.

6. Chakka Puzhukku – Mashed Jackfruit with Coconut

A nostalgic Kerala delicacy served best with spicy fish curry.

Ingredients:

• ½ kg raw jackfruit bulbs (chopped)
• 1 cup grated coconut
• ½ tsp turmeric
• Shallots, garlic, cumin, green chilies
• Curry leaves
• Coconut oil, mustard seeds

Steps:

1. Cook jackfruit with turmeric & water till soft, mash well.
2. Make coconut paste with spices.
3. Add to mashed jackfruit, cook 2 more mins.
4. Temper with mustard, red chili, curry leaves in oil.
5. Mix and serve with fish or beef curry.

7. Chakka Masala – Curried Tender Jackfruit

Perfect with naan, roti, or rice.

Ingredients:

• ½ kg tender jackfruit cubes
• Onion, garlic, ginger, green chili, tomato
• Curry leaves, cashew paste
• Spice mix (red chili, coriander, turmeric, garam masala)
• Coconut milk (optional)

Steps:

1. Sauté curry leaves, ginger, garlic, onions, tomato, spices.
2. Add jackfruit + cashew paste + water, cook till tender.
3. Stir in coconut milk, cook 1 min, garnish.

Bonus: Chakka Appam – Ripe Jackfruit Fritters (Coming Soon…)

Deep-fried, cardamom-scented jackfruit snack perfect for evenings.

Jackfruit Is In Season – Try These Now!

Jackfruit offers everything from breakfast to dessert, snacks to curries. Get creative with this miracle fruit and bring a taste of Kerala to your kitchen!