Idichakkai thoran

You would most likely find at least one Jackfruit tree in most homes in Kerala and when in season the fruit is used in various ways to make several interesting dishes, both sweet and savoury.

Idichakka thoran is one such popular dish in which tender, young, green jackfruit is cooked, then shredded and stir fried with coconut, green chillies and is usually served as a side dish with rice.

This recipe serves two.

Ingredients:

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• Idichakai - 500 grams
• coconut oil - 3 tablespoon
• green chillies - 4 to 5
• coconut - 4 tablespoon
• curry levaes - few
• Mustard seeds - 1 tablespoon
• Urad dal - 1 tablespoon
• asfoetida - a pinch
• red chilli - 1
• turmeric powder- a pinch
• salt to taste

Method:

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• Remove the skin and slice the jackfruit into tiny strands.As the fruit is tender,you can even use the seed inside as it will be very soft.Its a messy and sticky process.So apply little coconut oil on your palms and then start the process.
• Pressure cook the jackfruit strands with little water,turmeric powder and salt.The water level should be such that the strands are just immersed in water.Just a whistle on high flame would be sufficient.Do not over cook .
• After cooking,strain the excess water from the strands.
• Grind shredded coconut and green chillies in a mixer.Just a pulse would do.
• Heat a kadai,add 2 tablespoon of coconut oil.
• When its hot,add mustard seeds and asfoetida.
• When it splutters ,add urad dal and curry leaves.
• When dal turns brown ,add the cooked jackfruit strands and ground mixture to it.
• Mix well and saute for 3 sec.

Yummy thoran is ready.