Jackfruit vegetable is a precious gift from Indian cuisine, holding a special place due to its unique taste and nutritious qualities. Especially in Punjab, Jackfruit vegetable has its own distinct flavor. Its aroma, blend of spices, and the soft texture of the jackfruit captivate the hearts of those who eat it. If you also want to make Jackfruit vegetable in Punjabi style, then this recipe is perfect for you.
Jackfruit Vegetable: A Nutritious and Delicious Option
Jackfruit, is a fruit that is used like a vegetable in cooking. It is especially used in many states of India to make vegetable dishes. Jackfruit is not only delicious but also contains many vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are beneficial for our health.
Ingredients Required for Punjabi Jackfruit Vegetable
- Jackfruit pieces – 2 cups
- Mustard oil – 4 tablespoons
- Cinnamon – 1-inch piece
- Cloves – 2
- Black peppercorns – 2-3
- Bay leaf – 1
- Dried red chili – 1
- Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Onion (sliced) – 1 cup
- Chopped ginger – 1 tablespoon
- Chopped garlic – 1 tablespoon
- Tomato pulp – 1/2 cup
- Salt – to taste
For Making the Masala Paste:
- Yogurt – 1/4 cup
- Turmeric powder – 1/4 teaspoon
- Red chili powder – 2 teaspoons
- Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon
- Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala – 1/2 teaspoon
For Garnish:
- Fresh coriander (chopped) – 2 tablespoons
Method to Make Jackfruit Vegetable
1. Roasting the Jackfruit
First, heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil in a pressure cooker. Add the jackfruit pieces and roast on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Roasting the jackfruit pieces gives them a special aroma and also improves their texture. Remove the roasted jackfruit to a plate and set aside.
2. Preparing the Masala
Now heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in the cooker. When the oil is hot, add cinnamon, cloves, black peppercorns, bay leaf, dried red chili, and cumin seeds and sauté for a few seconds so that the aroma of the spices is fully released.
3. Sautéing Onion, Ginger and Garlic
After this, add the sliced onions and sauté on medium heat for 5 minutes until the onions turn golden brown. Then add ginger and garlic and sauté for a few more minutes.
4. Add Tomatoes and Masala
After the onions are cooked, add the tomato pulp and the masala paste made from yogurt (turmeric, red chili, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala mixed together) and mix well. Cook it while stirring continuously for 3 minutes so that the spices and tomatoes mix well.
5. Add Jackfruit and Cook
Now add the roasted jackfruit, salt to taste, and about one and a half cups of water. Mix everything well and close the lid of the pressure cooker. Cook for 2 whistles.
6. Open the Cooker Carefully
After the pressure is released, let all the steam escape completely before opening the lid of the cooker so that the jackfruit vegetable is cooked properly and its taste is not spoiled.
7. Garnishing and Serving
Garnish the vegetable with fresh coriander and serve hot with roti, paratha, or rice.
Benefits of Jackfruit Vegetable
Jackfruit is not only delicious but also very beneficial for health. It contains a good amount of fiber, which keeps the digestive system healthy. It also contains vitamins A, C, and other minerals that strengthen the immune system. Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids present in mustard oil are also beneficial for health.
Tips and Tricks
- Wash and cut the jackfruit well, and if the jackfruit is raw, it is necessary to roast it before cooking it in a pressure cooker.
- Mustard oil enhances the taste of jackfruit vegetable, but you can also use any other oil of your choice instead of mustard oil.
- The quantity of spices can be increased or decreased according to your taste.
Punjabi style jackfruit vegetable is a dish that is not only delicious to eat but also very beneficial from a health point of view. It is easy to make and creates a special identity in home cooking. On special festivals or special family occasions, this fragrant jackfruit vegetable wins everyone's heart.
