Jackfruit Idlis

A jackfruit tree produces large fruit, and a mature jackfruit tree produces about 200 fruits per year, with older trees bearing up to 500 fruits in a year. The raw green jackfruit has a mild taste, a meat-like texture and is called a "vegetable meat". This is gaining popularity and is being consumed a lot by vegetarians and vegans alike, in veggie tacos and burgers too.

Jackfruits or PhoNos are quite a delicacy for the Konkani community. Many different preparations are made with the raw as well as the ripe jackfruits. Raw jackfruit is used in dishes like ghashi (with gravy), chakko (a dry preparation), jackfruit chips or Ghare'n Karo or chips as we call them.

Ripe jackfruit pods are eaten, and also used in different sweet preparations like Ghare'n Kheer, muLLik, even jackfruit ice cream, and of course jackfruit idlis. It is even available fresh here in the U.S. when in season, at the Asian and Indian stores, Costco, the local produce markets, and more recently even at our local grocery stores. Frozen ripe jackfruit pods are available at Costco and Whole foods too. These idlis are made with the ripe jackfruit.

The jackfruit idli is one of the easiest preparations to make. Everyone loves it with a dollop of butter or with some ghee.

Jackfruit Idlis

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup ripe jackfruit pieces

• 1/2 cup grated coconut

• 3/4 cup jaggery or brown sugar (adjust to your taste)

• a pinch of salt

• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder

• 1 and 1/2 cup idli rawa

• water as needed

Steps

1. Wash the idli rawa and soak for 10 mins.

2. In the meantime, in a blender, take the jackfruit pieces, grated coconut, jaggery, and salt and grind to a smooth paste (without any water) and keep aside.

3. Add the idli rawa into the jackfruit paste, and mix it little by little, adding little water at a time, as needed. Mix the batter into an idli batter consistency. Keep aside for 30 minutes.

4. Grease the idli moulds with ghee, and spoon the batter into them.

5. Steam the idlis for about 20 minutes in the idli steamer.

6. Serve with butter or ghee. Very yummy and tasty! Enjoy!