Have you ever heard or or tried Jackfruit? Jackfruit is a tree that is native to India and is related to the fig tree. The flesh of the fruit that comes from this tree resembles cooked, pulled meat when it is prepared. In Bengali, we call this Gaatch Pata which literally translates into Tree [Goat] Meat. This fruit is a surprisingly satisfying substitute for many non-vegetarian dishes. So if you are vegetarian or trying to eat less meat, I would encourage you to try this ingredient. My kids really thought that they were eating a chicken dish. They absolutely did not believe that it was indeed fruit that they were eating for dinner. You may not either. See what you think of the texture and then, go ahead, try it instead of chicken in your chicken noodle soup or instead of pork in your barbecue pulled pork sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 1 can Jackfruit
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 2 tsp garlic ginger paste
- ¼ cup cilantro
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp mustard seeds
- ¼ tsp red chili flakes
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne powder
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
Directions
1. Drain and rinse jackfruit. Squeeze excess liquid from the jackfruit.
2. Marinate jackfruit pieces with 1 tsp. oil, and a pinch each of salt, pepper, red chili flakes, and turmeric.
3. Roughly chop the onion. Place the chopped onion in a food processor with garlic ginger paste and cilantro and purée. Set aside.
4. Heat 1 tsp in a pan. Sauté cumin seeds and mustard seeds until they start to pop, about 30 seconds.
5. Add onion mixture purée and cook for about 3 minutes. This will allow the moisture from the mix to evaporate.
6. Next, add tomato paste and remaining dry spices and cook together until a well combined paste has formed. This will take 3-5 minutes over medium heat.
7. Mix the jackfruit in with the paste.
8. Then add water and stir gently. Cook for anther 3-5 minutes.
9. The sauce will thicken and make a light layer of gravy. Enjoy with roti or naan.
