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Monsoon is the season of jackfruit. Boasting plum physique, rugged skin, and fibrous insides, it is among lesser explored vegetables. It is considered excellent for non-vegetarians who are looking to explore vegetarian and vegan food without compromising on taste and flavour.
Video Credit: Chef Ranveer Brar/ YouTube
During monsoon, you can find the best variety of jackfruit in the farmer's market. It can be used to make starters, delicious gravies, pickles, and other delights. Here are a few recommendations for jackfruit recipes you can try.
Jackfruit Biryani
Those who do not prefer mutton or chicken biryani yet wish to savour the flavours and notes of the rice-based delicacy should opt for jackfruit biryani. You can easily find the recipe on the internet. Many experts say that making kathal biryani is an arduous process in comparison to meat-based biryani. You have to get the texture right and ensure that the jackfruit absorbs all the flavours of spices you add.
Jackfruit Chips
You must have tried potato, banana, sabudana, and other kinds of chips, but if you are looking for a healthier recipe, bring jackfruit into the picture. After deseeding the kathal pieces, season them with salt to taste and deep-fry in hot oil. You can also air fry them until the chips turn golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle your favourite chaat masala or peri peri mix and enjoy.
Jackfruit Kebabs
From galouti to seekh kebabs, jackfruit can be used to make these popular street food items. Since jackfruit does not have any flavour, you can experiment with spices and other ingredients to get the texture of the kebabs right and make them sumptuous. Serve these to your friends who like to gorge on kebabs or people who have never tasted kebabs and they will be asking for your secret recipe.
Jackfruit Tacos
Instead of chicken shreds, add jackfruit to the taco mix and you will be in for a treat. After shredding kathal, add smoky spices to it while sauteing. Make sure there is no moisture in the jackfruit mixture or it will turn tacos soggy. Cool off the mixture and toss it with chopped avocado and tangy salsa. Taste to ensure there is a perfect balance of sour, sweet, and salty notes before going ahead. Fill the mixture in crispy tacos and serve with coolers or aerated drinks.
Jackfruit Stir-Fry
Much like Asian stir-fry recipes, you can add jackfruit to the list of ingredients when making stir-fry for lunch or dinner. If meat seems heavy on your digestive system, kathal can be a good alternative without compromising on the texture and taste. You can blanch it a little before stir-frying so that it cooks faster and absorbs the flavours of the spices.
Jackfruit Curry
Jackfruit curry is the easiest way to enjoy this monsoon delight. In most Indian households, it is a staple in this season and relished with paratha, roti, or rice. You can cook kathal in a heavy-bottom kadhai or pressure cooker. If you want to experiment with it, prepare the gravy with coconut milk and add Indian spices to elevate the flavour.
Jackfruit Kesari
While most people make savoury dishes using jackfruit, you can take the experiment up a notch. You can make kathal kesari, a popular sweet dish prepared using semolina. You have to grind the pieces of kathal and cook them in ghee until cooked to perfection. Top the halwa with ghee-sauteed dried fruits and nuts to amplify the nutritional value.
