Stuffed Jackfruit Curry Recipe
Jackfruit is a versatile fruit, often used in Indian cuisine for its texture and ability to absorb flavors. Stuffed Jackfruit Curry, known as Bharma Kathal ki Sabzi in Hindi, is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender jackfruit with a spicy stuffing and a creamy, aromatic gravy. This dish is ideal for lunch or dinner, served with roti, paratha, or steamed rice. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious vegetarian curry at home.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw Jackfruit (cut and deseeded) | 250 grams |
| Mustard Oil | As required for cooking |
| Onions (chopped) | 3 medium-sized |
| Tomatoes (boiled and pureed) | 2 medium-sized |
| Garlic | 5 cloves |
| Ginger | 1/2 inch piece |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander Seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Cloves (long) | 4 pieces |
| Kashmiri Red Chili Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Yogurt (curd) | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 small |
| Fennel Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic Butter | 1 teaspoon |
| Paneer (cottage cheese, finely chopped) | 50 grams |
| Black Pepper Powder | To taste |
| Mozzarella Cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 45 minutes
Total Time:
- 60 minutes
Servings:
- 4 servings
Cuisine:
- Indian
Course:
- Lunch or Dinner
Diet:
- Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Jackfruit
- Soak the aromatics: Start by soaking the onions, garlic, ginger, coriander seeds, and cloves in a cup of water. This will help release their flavors later in the cooking process.
- Cook the jackfruit: Remove the seeds from the raw jackfruit pieces and cook them in a pressure cooker. Add water to the cooker and let it cook for one whistle (approximately 5-7 minutes). After cooking, drain the water and let the jackfruit pieces cool and dry out a little.
- Cook the jackfruit in mustard oil: Heat mustard oil in a pan and sauté the cooked jackfruit pieces for a few minutes, allowing them to absorb the oil and develop a slightly crispy texture. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Stuffing (Bharma Masala)
- Sauté the onions and fennel: In a separate pan, heat a little oil and add the fennel seeds. Once they start spluttering, add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the paneer: Once the onions are golden, add the finely chopped paneer (cottage cheese) to the pan and sauté for another 2-3 minutes. The paneer should soften and blend into the mixture, forming a rich, flavorful stuffing.
- Prepare the stuffing: Add salt and black pepper to taste and mix well. Once done, remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool down a bit. This will be used to stuff the jackfruit later.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
- Cook the onions and tomatoes: Heat mustard oil in a fresh pan and sauté the chopped onions until golden brown. Then add the boiled and pureed tomatoes to the pan and cook until the oil starts separating from the tomato mixture.
- Grind the mixture: Once the onions and tomatoes are well-cooked, grind the mixture into a fine paste using a blender or mixer.
- Spices: Pour the paste back into the pan and add Kashmiri red chili powder, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, and yogurt. Stir the mixture well and cook for 5-6 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse into the gravy. Adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.
Step 4: Stuff the Jackfruit
- Stuff the jackfruit: Take the cooked jackfruit pieces and gently stuff them with the prepared paneer filling. Ensure that each piece is well-stuffed to allow the flavors to penetrate the jackfruit.
Step 5: Combine Gravy and Stuffed Jackfruit
- Simmer the curry: Place the stuffed jackfruit pieces into the gravy, making sure the jackfruit is coated well with the sauce. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes so that the flavors meld together.
- Bake with mozzarella: For an extra layer of flavor, transfer the curry to a microwave-safe bowl, sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top, and bake it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden. This step adds a delightful creamy texture to the curry.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serving suggestions: Serve the Stuffed Jackfruit Curry hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. It pairs wonderfully with Lachha Paratha, Butter Naan, or steamed rice. You can also serve it with a refreshing Kachumber salad on the side for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Jackfruit Curry:
- Use tender jackfruit: When making stuffed jackfruit curry, it’s essential to use raw, tender jackfruit. The jackfruit should not be overripe as it might become too soft and lose its texture.
- Gravy consistency: Adjust the thickness of the gravy according to your preference. If you prefer a thicker gravy, reduce the liquid during the cooking process.
- Cheese options: If you prefer a different cheese, you can substitute mozzarella with cheddar, paneer, or any cheese of your choice for a unique flavor profile.
- Add vegetables: You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or potatoes to the curry for a more filling dish.
This Stuffed Jackfruit Curry is an exciting way to enjoy the health benefits and unique flavor of jackfruit. With its rich, spicy stuffing and creamy gravy, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress at any lunch or dinner table. Enjoy!
