Pineapple Gojju Recipe (Karnataka Style Tangy and Spicy Pineapple Curry)
Pineapple Gojju is a signature dish from North Karnataka, known for its perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. This flavorful curry is made with fresh pineapple, coconut, tamarind, and spices, making it an irresistible accompaniment to steamed rice or chapatis. Whether you’re craving something different for lunch or looking to explore the richness of Karnataka’s culinary heritage, this Pineapple Gojju recipe is sure to captivate your taste buds.
Ingredients for Pineapple Gojju:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pineapple (chopped) | 1 Β½ cups |
| Fresh coconut | ΒΌ cup |
| White Urad Dal (split) | 2 tbsp |
| Tamarind paste | 1 tbsp |
| Dry red chilies | 5 pieces |
| Jaggery | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
| Curry leaves | 12 leaves |
| Sunflower oil | 2 tbsp |
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Servings:
4 servings
Cuisine:
North Karnataka
Course:
Lunch
Diet:
Vegetarian
Instructions for Making Pineapple Gojju:
-
Roasting the Ingredients:
- Start by placing a pan on medium heat. Dry roast the white urad dal in the pan for about 2-3 minutes until it turns slightly golden. Once done, remove it from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, dry roast the fresh coconut until it turns light brown and develops a toasted aroma. Be careful not to burn the coconut, as it can affect the flavor. Once roasted, remove it and set aside.
- Next, dry roast the dry red chilies with just a drop of oil in the same pan until they become slightly crisp. Set aside to cool.
-
Making the Spice Paste:
- Once the roasted ingredients have cooled, transfer the urad dal, coconut, and dry red chilies to a mixer jar. Add the tamarind paste and a little water to help blend the ingredients smoothly.
- Grind everything into a fine paste, adding just enough water to achieve a thick consistency. Set the paste aside.
-
Cooking the Pineapple Gojju:
- In a deep pan, heat the sunflower oil on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them crackle.
- Add the curry leaves and fry them until they turn crisp.
- Now, add the chopped pineapple chunks to the pan. SautΓ© the pineapple on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to soften and the edges to brown slightly.
-
Simmering the Curry:
- Add the ground spice paste to the pan with the pineapple. Pour in about 2 cups of water and stir everything well to combine.
- Let the curry simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Season the curry with salt and jaggery. Mix well, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken and the flavors to intensify.
-
Serving the Pineapple Gojju:
- Once the curry has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Serve the Pineapple Gojju hot with steamed rice and a dollop of ghee for a traditional touch, or enjoy it with chapatis for a complete meal.
- The curry can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat before serving.
Tips for Perfect Pineapple Gojju:
- Sweetness Adjustment: The amount of jaggery you add can be adjusted based on the sweetness of the pineapple. If the pineapple is very sweet, you can reduce the jaggery slightly.
- Spice Level: The dry red chilies give this curry a nice level of spice. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the number of chilies or remove the seeds.
- Coconut Variations: If fresh coconut is not available, you can use desiccated coconut, but fresh coconut will give the best texture and flavor.
- Storage: The Pineapple Gojju can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to blend.
This Pineapple Gojju is an excellent way to enjoy the natural sweetness of pineapple paired with the robust spices of Karnataka. Itβs a refreshing change from the usual curries, offering a burst of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors in every bite. Perfect for a weekday lunch or a special family meal, this curry brings a taste of Southern India to your kitchen. Enjoy it with hot rice and ghee or soft chapatis for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
