Mashed Jackfruit / Chakka Puzhukku

Jackfruit is of tropical origin. It is the largest tree-borne fruit.  With the exception  of its spiky exterior,every part of this fruit is edible. At the tender stage it can be cooked into tasty side dishes. When the fruit matures further, it can still be used to prepare side dishes and can also be used to make chips. The best is when the fruit ripens, the jack fruit flesh is very sweet and it has a distinctive aroma. The sweet flesh can be consumed as it is or can be cooked into various sweet dishes. The seeds of the jackfruit are also edible. Check my recipe for ***Fried Jackfruit Seeds. Seeds when consumed directly prevents constipation. Good for skin.

 The raw jackfruit contains lots of vitamin A and vitamin C. It is a source of dietary fiber,potassium, iron and magnesium which helps in the absorption of calcium. Antioxidants in it can prevent cancer, especially colon cancer.

Raw Jackfruit has low glycemic index. Cooked Jackfruit dish should be consumed as main dish, once a day by diabetics along with a side dish rich in protein. It brings down and gradually normalises blood sugar, if consumed daily. 

Chakka puzhukku is made with matured jackfruit bulbs, inside the jackfruit. Remove the seeds from the bulbs before chopping.

Preparation: 

• Cook the chopped jackfruit flesh with *turmeric and **water in a pressure cooker for 2 whistles. (i cooked in a 3 liter cooker). The bigger the cooker the lesser the whistles. Set aside, till the pressure inside becomes normal. 
• Grind the grated coconut cumin seeds, garlic, green chilly and turmeric powder. 
• Open the cooker and mash the jackfruit flesh. Add the ground mixture and salt. Mix well once more. Cover and cook on low flame for five minutes or until all the excess water is absorbed. 
• Add 3 teaspoons of coconut oil. Mix and serve.
• Can be served as a main dish and side dish. 
• When served as a main dish, non vegetarians can have fish /meat curry as side dish and vegetarians can have tomato curry. 
• As a side dish this can be served along with rice or rice porridge (Kanji). 

Ingredients:

Jackfruit flesh - 2 1/2 cups (chopped) 

Fresh coconut - 1 cup (grated) 

cumin seeds - 3 pinches 

garlic cloves - 2 

Green chilly - 2 

Turmeric powder - 1/4  teaspoon

Salt 

Coconut oil - 3 teaspoon 

*Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon for cooking the jackfruit flesh. 

**water - 1/4 cup. 

***Link to Fried Jackfruit seeds:http://ashasnairrajesh.blogspot.com/2015/04/fried-jackfruit-seeds.html