How to Make Kathal Ki Sabji: A Delicious Jackfruit Curry Recipe

Kathal ki Sabji, or Jackfruit Curry, is a popular dish in Indian cuisine, especially in North India. It’s a flavorful and hearty vegetarian dish that can be enjoyed with rice or roti. Here’s a detailed recipe to help you prepare this delectable curry at home.

Ingredients

For the Kathal (Jackfruit):

• 500 grams raw jackfruit, peeled and cut into cubes
• 2-3 tablespoons oil (for frying)
• Salt, to taste
• Turmeric powder, a pinch

For the Curry:

• 3 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, slit
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 large tomatoes, pureed
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 cup yogurt, whisked
• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preparing the Jackfruit:

• Peel the jackfruit and cut it into cubes. Apply oil to your hands and knife to avoid the sticky sap.
• Boil the jackfruit cubes in salted water with a pinch of turmeric until they are tender. Drain and set aside.

1. Frying the Jackfruit:

• Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a deep frying pan.
• Add the boiled jackfruit cubes and fry them until they are golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel to get rid of excess oil.

1. Making the Curry:

• In a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai, heat 3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
• Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
• Add the finely chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.
• Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
• Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala.
• Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.
• Lower the heat and add the whisked yogurt gradually, stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Cook until the mixture is well blended and starts to leave oil on the sides.
• Add the fried jackfruit cubes to the curry. Mix well to coat the jackfruit with the masala.
• Add a little water if the curry is too thick. Cover and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the jackfruit to absorb the flavors.
• Sprinkle garam masala and mix well.

1. Garnishing and Serving:

• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with roti, paratha, or steamed rice.

Tips

• Handling Jackfruit: Applying oil to your hands and the knife helps in managing the sticky sap of the raw jackfruit.
• Cooking Jackfruit: Make sure the jackfruit is tender after boiling. If not, it might not absorb the flavors well.
• Yogurt: Whisk the yogurt thoroughly to avoid curdling when adding it to the hot masala.

Kathal ki Sabji is a delightful dish that brings a unique flavor and texture to your meal. The process might seem a bit elaborate, but the end result is a rich, aromatic curry that’s well worth the effort. Enjoy this traditional Indian recipe with your family and friends, and experience the wonderful taste of jackfruit in a savory avatar.