Bengali Style Raw Jackfruit Curry Recipe – Enchor’er Dalana
Introduction
Bengali Style Raw Jackfruit Curry, also known as Enchor’er Dalana, is a flavorful, hearty dish that showcases the versatility of raw, tender jackfruit. While jackfruit is most commonly cultivated in the Western Ghats of India, it has become an integral part of the Bengali culinary tradition. In Bengal, this vegetable is used to prepare curries, pickles, and even cutlets. This vegan-friendly curry is both delicious and nutritious, making it an excellent choice for lunch or dinner.
The curry is rich in spices and provides an aromatic blend of flavors. It’s a dish that perfectly encapsulates Bengali home-cooking with its emphasis on mustard oil, ghee, and a fragrant mix of spices. Pair this curry with Ragi Tawa Paratha, Kala Chana Salad with Carrots, Cucumber, and Tomatoes, and a side of Beetroot Carrot Raita for a wholesome and diabetic-friendly meal.
Cuisine: Bengali
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw Jackfruit (Kathal) | 500 grams |
| Black Cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 2 pods |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Onion | 1, sliced |
| Ginger-Garlic Paste | 3 tablespoons |
| Green Chilies | 2, chopped |
| Hung Curd (Greek Yogurt) | 1/2 cup |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Bay Leaves (Tej Patta) | 2 sprigs |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Raw Jackfruit:
- Grease your hands and knife with some oil before handling the raw jackfruit. This prevents the sticky latex/sap from the jackfruit from getting onto your hands, making the cutting process much easier.
- Cut the jackfruit in half, discard the thick outer skin, and slice it into 1-inch pieces. Place the pieces in a bowl of buttermilk (made by whisking curd with water). Let the jackfruit soak in the buttermilk to keep it from browning.
-
Marinate the Jackfruit:
- Drain the jackfruit pieces and transfer them into a separate bowl.
- Add turmeric powder and mustard oil to the jackfruit, then mix well. Allow the jackfruit to marinate for about 20 minutes.
-
Fry the Spices:
- In a pan, heat mustard oil on medium heat. Once hot, add cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and black cardamom.
- When the spices begin to sizzle and release their fragrance, add half of the sliced onion and ginger-garlic paste. Fry until the onion becomes translucent.
- Let the mixture cool, then grind it into a smooth paste and set it aside.
-
Cook the Curry:
- In a pressure cooker, heat some more mustard oil. Add the remaining sliced onions and fry them until they turn golden brown.
- Add the marinated jackfruit to the cooker and fry it for 5 minutes, allowing the pieces to get slightly caramelized.
- Stir in the onion paste along with the turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, garam masala powder, sugar, and salt. Continue cooking until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
-
Pressure Cook:
- Add about 1/2 cup of water and mix everything well.
- Close the pressure cooker lid and cook the curry for about 2 whistles, or until the jackfruit becomes tender.
- Once the pressure releases naturally, open the cooker and check for seasoning. Adjust the salt and sugar to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Bengali Style Raw Jackfruit Curry with Ragi Tawa Paratha, Kala Chana Salad with Carrots, Cucumber & Tomatoes, and Beetroot Carrot Raita for a well-rounded, healthy, and diabetic-friendly meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutrient-Dense: Jackfruit is packed with fiber and vitamins, making it an excellent meat substitute for vegetarians.
- Flavorful: The combination of mustard oil, ghee, and warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin creates a deep, rich flavor profile.
- Healthy: This dish is naturally low in fat and is diabetic-friendly when served with wholesome sides like Ragi Paratha and salad.
This Bengali-style jackfruit curry recipe, with its aromatic spices and tender jackfruit, is a delightful addition to your vegetarian meal repertoire. It’s simple yet packed with authentic Bengali flavors, bringing a taste of Bengal to your kitchen!
