Raw Jackfruit Curry Recipe | How to make raw jackfruit curry?

Goan Raw Jackfruit Curry Recipe | Panasache Tonak | Kathal Curry | Panasakaya Curry

Simple, authentic goan-style raw jackfruit masala curry. As we start entering the summer, raw jackfruits will be available in abundance. Ripe jackfruit recipes are relished by everybody but rarely do we try the raw jackfruit.

There are many raw jackfruit recipes in Goan cuisine. Goan cuisine is diverse. It converts any vegetable/fruit into a delectable recipe.

Raw jackfruit curry is a coveted dish in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines. This zesty and wholesome vegan curry is gaining prominence among vegans as a meat alternative.

Tender jackfruit (Kathal) is completely edible and hence several delicacies are made using raw jackfruit. However, due to its cumbersome cleaning process, it is not favoured by many.

What is Raw Jackfruit Curry?

Tender jackfruit curry is a coconut-based curry where raw or green jackfruit is cooked and a spicy masala paste along with white peas is added to the gravy.

The jackfruit which has a fibrous and firm texture becomes soft and meaty upon cooking. Its stringy flesh mimics the texture of meat. This vegan curry recipe has intense flavours and can be served with hot steamed rice or rotis and chapatis.

The Raw Jackfruit

Raw jackfruit is called ‘Kuvlo’ or ‘Chaako‘ in Konkani. It is also known as ‘Kaccha Fanas‘ in Marathi (Kaccha means raw), ‘Kathal’ in Hindi, ‘Panasapandu‘ in Telugu and ‘Halasu’ in Kannada.

Unripe jackfruit is green in colour and is spiky on the outside. It is a tropical fruit that grows in abundance in Asia, Africa and South America.

 It is the state fruit of Kerala and Tamilnadu. Also, India is the largest producer of jackfruits in the world. In Goa, you will find a jackfruit tree in almost every household in the rural areas.

The jackfruit grows in the tropical regions of southwest India and is the largest among all tree fruits. Both unripe and ripe fruits are used for different culinary purposes.

There are many tender jackfruit recipes in Indian cuisine. Tender jackfruit curry is one such delectable recipe.

Raw jackfruit Taste

Raw jackfruit has a neutral taste and flavour. Hence, this makes it easier to adapt to different recipes because of its capacity to absorb the aroma of the spices used in cooking.

It has a fibrous texture, similar to meat; hence, it is popular amongst vegetarians and vegans. Moreover, it is affordable and sustainable as compared to other plant-based meat alternatives.

However, it does not contain enough protein. 100 g of jackfruit gives you only 2-3 g of protein. So although it is adapted as a meat substitute you will have to complete your protein intake via other food sources.

How to cut a raw jackfruit?

Cutting raw jackfruit is a time-consuming process if you are a novice. With little practice, the right tools and technique you will be able to cut a raw jackfruit like a pro.

The main problem is with the sap or dheekh (in Konkani) of the tender jackfruit. It is so sticky that it becomes difficult to manage.

Hence, use oil, as it prevents the sap from sticking to the surface of anything. Also, keep applying oil to your hands in between as required.

For a more detailed tutorial on how to cut a raw jackfruit easily check out the post below.

How to cut a raw jackfruit

But here is a quick overview:

Things you will need:

1. Cutting board
2. A sharp knife or an ‘Aadoli or Villi’ – (a traditional coconut scraper, vegetable cutter and fish cleaning tool)
3. Newspapers
4. Coconut oil (or any other oil)
5. Water (with salt) – Prevents discolouration of jackfruit. Since when it is exposed to air it oxidizes.
6. Tissue papers/Old cloth pieces/Coconut husk
7. Patience 🙂

Gather all the things. Line up your countertop with news papers. Apply oil to everything. Your hands, knife and cutting board.

1. Cut the jackfruit into 2 halves. You can cut it lengthwise or breadthwise.

2. Clean the oozing sap with tissue paper or coconut husk. Clean and peel the outer green rind of the jackfruit.

3. Further, cut the jackfruit into quarters and remove the inner core of the jackfruit. Chop it into desired shape and size.

4. Add the chopped pieces of tender jackfruit into salt water immediately to prevent discolouration. The jackfruit pieces are now ready to use in different raw jackfruit recipes.

To clean the knife, warm it slightly on the gas stove and wipe it off with a tissue. Warming the knife makes the removal of the latex easy.

5. If the sap accidentally spills over the counter, apply some oil and wipe off with a tissue or cloth.

Caution: Handle the knife with care while cutting the raw jackfruit, as your hands will become slippery due to oil. Also use a sharp knife or aadoli to cut the tender jackfruit easily. A sharp knife will give you clean cuts too.

Benefits of Raw Jackfruit

Raw jackfruit has many health benefits. It should be included in the diet when in season.

1. Rich in fibre – Raw jackfruit is a great source of dietary fibre that promotes regular bowel movement and prevents constipation.
2. Digestive health – Improves digestion and supports gut microbiome.
3. Weight Loss – Due to its fiber content it keeps you fuller for longer and prevents overeating.
4. Nutrient-dense – Rich in vitamins, minerals, anti-inflammatory compounds and phytonutrients such as saponins, flavonoids, and lignans.
5. Boosts immunity – Raw jackfruit is a good source of Vitamin C that is important for immune function.
6. Regulates blood sugar levels – This is primarily due to the high fiber content and low glycemic index of raw jackfruit.

Although green jackfruit is a powerhouse of nutrition, it should be consumed in moderation.

Ingredients

Here is a list of some of the main ingredients you will need for raw jackfruit curry.

1. Raw Jackfruit
2. White peas
3. Grated coconut
4. Onions
5. Tamarind
6. Spices – Coriander seeds, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise, poppy seeds, red chillies etc.

Tips

1. Selecting the raw jackfruit – Always select an unripe jackfruit that is hard and firm to touch.
2. Cooking the jackfruit – Raw jackfruit takes a long time to cook in an open pan. You can pressure cook it till tender, to reduce the cooking time. If cooking in an open pot, do check in between for water content. If required add a little water.
3. Red chillies – I have used the Goan variety of red chillies for the best flavour. This recipe yields a medium-spicy gravy. You can use any other type. However, adjust as per the heat profile of the chillies.
4. Tamarind – Adds the required tang. If you do not have tamarind you can squeeze a little lemon juice. (I wonder how it would taste though!) Or you can substitute with tamarind paste (1 tsp) or 2-3 pieces of kokum. If adding kokum, use it at the end when the curry is brought to a final boil.
5. Salt – Be cautious while adding salt since you will be adding it while cooking white peas and also jackfruit chunks. So check for the taste in the end and add accordingly.

How to make Raw Jack fruit Curry?

Cooking white peas

1. Soak the white peas for 8-10 hrs or overnight. Once soaked, drain the water.

2. Add the soaked peas, 1/4 tsp salt and 1 cup water to a pressure cooker. Cook for 3-4 whistles or until soft.

Cutting the raw jackfruit

1. Cut the raw jack fruit into chunks and add them immediately to water to prevent discolouration. Also, add 1 tsp salt to the water.

Cooking the raw jackfruit

Cooking jackfruit takes a lot of time. You can cook in an open pan or a pressure cooker.

1. Drain the water from the jackfruit pieces. Wash with fresh water a couple of times.

2. Heat oil in a kadhai or deep-bottomed pan. Add onion and saute for a minute. Add the jackfruit pieces next and saute.

3. Add 1 tsp salt and 1 cup water. Cover and cook for about 45 mins on low-medium flame or until the jackfruit chunks become soft. Check for water content in between. If required add a little water.

(Note: You can also pressure cook for 2-3 whistles or till soft).

Preparing the masala paste for gravy

While the jackfruit pieces are getting cooked, let us prepare the masala paste.

1. Keep all the spices ready in a plate.

2. Heat oil in a kadhai. Add onion and saute till soft. Add slit green chilli and saute.

3. Brown the onions a bit. Next add grated coconut and fry till light brown.

4. Once the grated coconut has browned well, add turmeric powder.

5. Mix everything well and remove the onion-coconut mixture on a plate. Allow it to cool. Next, add a tsp of oil again to the pan and saute the spices and red chillies till an aroma is released. Do not burn the spices.

6. Remove the spices in a plate and allow it to cool. Once cooled completely, add the roasted coconut-spices mixture to a mixie jar.

7. Add tamarind, and water and grind everything to a fine paste. I needed 1 and 1/2 cups of water to grind.

Cooking the raw jackfruit curry

1. Check with a knife if the jackfruit has cooked well. Once done, add the cooked white peas.

2. Add the ground masala paste and water to adjust the consistency.

3. Finally add a little salt and jaggery and combine everything well. (Note: Be cautious while adding salt here as you have already added salt while cooking white peas and jackfruit. Check for taste and then add.)

4. Mix everything well and bring it to a rolling boil. Switch off the gas once boiled. The raw jackfruit curry will thicken slightly as it cools down. (Note: If adding kokum instead of tamarind add it at this step of the recipe.)

5. Serve hot with steamed rice, chapatis, rotis or naans.

Raw jackfruit is a great healthy, vegetarian option. Do try out this nutritious jack fruit curry and let me know in the comments section.

Check out my raw jackfruit bhaaji (Chaako) or sabzi below;

Chaako (Raw Jackfruit Vegetable)

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Ripe Jackfruit Recipes

There are many ripe sweet jackfruit recipes on my blog. Do check them out below.

Dhonas (Jackfruit Cake)

Jackfruit Patholi

Jackfruit Idli (sweet)