Vishu Special - Idichakka thoran (Jackfruit Curry)

             Happy Tamizh new year and Vishu

It is very nice to be in our homeland to enjoy special dishes on special occasions. Though we cook the same recipes during ordinary days, we will not the get that divine festive taste in that recipe. Idichikka thoran, is one such special recipe for Vishu.


Cute little Young Jack fruit

Jack fruit is called as 'Idichakka' in Kerala. Jack fruit is a tropical plant which is found mainly in southeast Asia and some parts of Africa. You know, Jack fruit is highly nutritious fruit. I read many more interesting facts about this fruit in a book called, 'How the Banana Goes to Heaven' by Ratna Rajaiah. How I bought this book ? Its a nice short story. A couple of days earlier me and Karthik were at the Passport office. As usual nothing happened as per the schedule, so to kill the time we went to a nearby book shop, where I chanced upon this beautiful book.

Jack fruit

-- An antioxidant which fights diseases.

-- High in beta carotene which our body converts into Vitamin A.

-- Rich in dietary minerals like potassium and Iron.

-- Contains more calcium and magnesium than Banana.

-- Excellent source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fibers, makes the fruit as an energy food.

Like the fruit, the seeds inside them are also equally good for health. They are also high in Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B2, Also minerals like calcium, zinc, phosphorous and Sulphur.

First time in my life, I tried this Idichakka. My mother in-law helped me in cooking and Iam in love with this this wonderful recipe.

Ingredients : 1 no -- Small young jackfruit 1 tsp -- Turmeric powder 1 tsp -- Mustard seeds 1 tbsp -- Chana dal 1 tbsp -- Urad dal 1 tsp -- Jeera 3 no -- Red chillies 2-3 tsp -- Oil Salt -- To taste Few Curry leaves ** 1 no -- medium size onion ** 1/2 cup -- Grated coconut ** Onion or coconut -- according to your taste. Method : --- By using sharp knife, cut a thick layer of about 1cm skin from the fruit. Apply some oil to the hand and to the knife to avoid the gum sticking in your hands. --- Cut the fruit into big chunks. If using a very young jack fruit then no need to discard the center stem inside the fruit, if not cut the stem too. --- Cook the big chunks along with the turmeric and 1 tsp of salt in the pressure cooker for 1 or 2 whistles. --- Once the cooked jack fruit is cooled completely, by using a fork or hand shred the big chunks. Since it is cooked nicely all the fibers can be shredded easily. If you find difficulty put it in a mixer and just run for one or two times. Don't run continuously, then all the fruit will get smashed. --- Put a pan in medium heat and add oil and after few minutes add mustard seeds. Once the seeds are popped completely add chana dal. urad dal, chillies, curry leaves and jeera. ---*** If you are using onion, cut them in to small pieces and add them to the oil mixture and fry until the onion become translucent. --- Add the shredded jack fruit to the oil mixture and add salt according to taste. --- Mix well and fry the jack fruit mixture for few minutes. --- *** If you are not using the onion, avoid the onion step and add the  grated coconut in the final stage and turn off the heat.

Enjoy the Idichakka thoran along with Vishu special pradamans :))