Jackfruit is a healthy fruit with no fat but high energy. It contains high amount of nutrients, is an antioxidant and good for eye sight. It strengthens immune function and protects from flu, cold and infections. Diabetic people can enjoy this fruit making sure to add some physical activity.
Jackfruit is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 , niacin, riboflavin, B complex and folic acid.
Chakka varatti is a type of kerala dish in which jackfruit flesh is cut in pieces and cooked in ghee and jaggery till a paste like or jam like consistency is achieved. This jam is used in preparing ellaada and payasam or can be eaten as it is. This is preserved for 8 to 10 months.
This dish is vey laborious and tedious, to cut short he cooking I normally cook the flesh in pressure cooker and dont chop the flesh and cook in jaggery. This cut shorts the time and is an easy way to prepare this dish.
INGREDIENTS
- Jackfruit 1 /4 of a big one
- or jackfruit puree 4 cups
- Jaggery 2 cups
- Ghee 2 tbsp
METHOD
This jackfruit has big flesh and is very sweet. I have only taken 1/4 part to prepare chakka varutti.
First cut out the top white core, which is sticky. Then have to pluck out the fruit or flesh and remove the seed.
Pressure cook the flesh ,dont add water in the flesh for 4 to 5 whistles. As we are not adding water make sure that the flesh is cooked nicely.
This is how it will look after it is pressure cooked. Let it cool down.
Blend it nicely in a blender.
Take a deep frying pan and add 2 cups of jaggery and 1/4 cup water. Let the jaggery dissolve. If your jaggery is of good quality no need to strain or you will have strain and put back again for heating after straining.
Add the jackfruit puree and mix nicely.
Cook on low heat , you have to continuously stir it or it will catch at the bottom.
The colour will change to darker brown shade.
Once the bubbling stops it’s done. Add two tbsp of ghee and mix it well.
Let it cool down. Bottle in airtight containers. You can refrigerate and take for later use.
If you want to keep outside then quantity of jaggery should be added more. Keep in a sterile glass container with no moisture or water. After adding in the container on top cover with ghee.
