Kerala Style Chakka Adai Recipe – Rice Flour and Jackfruit Flatbread
This Kerala Style Chakka Adai is a traditional, sweet flatbread made from rice flour and the rich, tropical flavor of ripe jackfruit. It’s a comforting breakfast or snack option that is both hearty and nutritious. Perfect for serving with a refreshing drink like Muskmelon (Kharbuj) juice or enjoying on its own with a dollop of ghee or butter, this recipe brings a taste of Kerala straight to your table. Simple yet flavorful, it makes for an ideal morning treat or an evening snack.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice flour | 2 cups |
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Ripe jackfruit (Kathal) – seeds removed and chopped | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 5 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cardamom pods (Elaichi) – powdered | 2 pods |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 1.2 g |
| Fiber | 2.5 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Kerala Recipes
Course: Indian Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
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Prepare the Jackfruit: Start by chopping the ripe jackfruit into small pieces, removing any seeds. In a saucepan, add the chopped jackfruit along with about 1/4 cup of water. Boil the jackfruit until it becomes soft and mushy, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Once done, set aside to cool.
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Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, freshly grated coconut, sugar, salt, and powdered cardamom. Once the jackfruit is cooled, add it to the bowl along with the mixture. Add a little water at a time to knead the ingredients into a soft and firm dough. The dough should not be too sticky, but also not too dry.
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Rest the Dough: After kneading the dough, add a small amount of ghee to it and mix it in well. Cover the dough with a muslin cloth and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the dough to settle and makes it easier to shape the adai.
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Flatten the Dough: After the dough has rested, heat a tawa or a flat pan over medium heat. While it’s heating, prepare a clean plastic sheet or a sheet of parchment paper for flattening the adais. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions. Take one portion at a time and flatten it into a medium-thick circle using your fingers, greased with a little oil. The flattened adai should be even in shape, with a uniform thickness.
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Cook the Adai: Once the tawa is hot, carefully lift the flattened adai off the plastic sheet and place it on the preheated tawa. Drizzle a little oil around the edges and the center of the adai. Allow it to cook until the edges begin to crisp up and the bottom side turns golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
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Flip and Cook the Other Side: Flip the adai over using a spatula and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, until brown spots appear and the adai is well-cooked on both sides.
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Serve: Remove the adai from the pan, and optionally, add a dollop of ghee or butter on top for extra richness. Serve hot as a snack or breakfast with a glass of Muskmelon (Kharbuj) juice or your favorite chutney.
Tips for Perfect Chakka Adai:
- Rice Flour Consistency: Ensure the rice flour is finely ground for smoother dough. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in some more rice flour; if it’s too dry, add a little more water, one teaspoon at a time.
- Jackfruit Substitutes: If jackfruit is not in season, you can substitute it with ripe plantain or sweet potato for a similar texture and sweetness.
- Cooking on Low Flame: Always cook the adai on a medium flame to ensure it cooks evenly and crisps up without burning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Authentic Kerala Flavors: With its sweet, fruity, and aromatic cardamom flavor, this dish brings a taste of Kerala to your kitchen.
- Gluten-Free: Made with rice flour, this is a naturally gluten-free recipe, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
- Versatile: Serve it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a side dish with a curry. It’s both filling and satisfying.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together quickly and is perfect for busy mornings or when you need a comforting snack.
Enjoy the sweet and savory goodness of Kerala Style Chakka Adai with its soft, chewy texture and the natural sweetness of jackfruit. Perfect for any time of the day, this recipe is a wonderful way to explore the rich culinary traditions of Kerala.
