Sri Lankan Jackfruit Tempered Curry
A hearty and flavorful vegan curry made with young green jackfruit, slow-cooked in a fragrant blend of Sri Lankan spices and coconut milk. This dish is often tempered with aromatic spices and curry leaves for an enhanced taste experience.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Young green jackfruit(canned, drained and rinsed, cut into cubes)
- 3 tbsp Coconut oil
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 5 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 10 sprigs Curry leaves
- 2 leaves Pandan leaf(cut into 3-inch pieces)
- 1 tsp Tamarind(paste or juice)
- 2 tbsp Roasted red chili powder
- 1 tbsp Roasted Sri Lankan curry powder
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 3 cups Coconut milk(thick)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Mustard seeds(for tempering)
- 0.5 tsp Cumin seeds(for tempering)
- 0.5 tsp Fenugreek seeds(for tempering)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the spice mix: In a non-stick pan, roast 2 tbsp red chili powder and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder over medium-low flame for 5-8 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. Set aside.
- 2
In a large pan or pot over medium-high heat, add 3 tbsp coconut oil. Once hot, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and fenugreek seeds. Sauté for 10-20 seconds until fragrant.
- 3
Add minced garlic and sauté for 10-20 seconds. Then add chopped onion and sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until it starts to get a golden color.
- 4
Add curry leaves, pandan leaves, and tamarind paste. Sauté for 10-20 seconds. Add the prepared roasted chili powder and roasted Sri Lankan curry powder. Sauté for about 30 seconds.
- 5
Add the drained and rinsed young green jackfruit. Mix thoroughly to coat the jackfruit evenly with the spices.
💡 Tip: Ensure the jackfruit is well-coated for maximum flavor absorption. - 6
Add 3 cups of coconut milk and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly. Cover and cook the curry on low heat until the jackfruit is tender, about 1-1.5 hours.
💡 Tip: If cooking slowly, you may need to add more coconut milk as the liquid evaporates. - 7
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot with steamed rice.
💡 Tip: This curry is also delicious with roti or bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Canned young green jackfruit is readily available and works well.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili powder to your preferred spice level.
- ✓For a thicker gravy, reduce the coconut milk slightly towards the end of cooking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for an authentic South Indian touch.
- Include a chopped tomato in the sautéing stage for added sweetness and acidity.