Jackfruit Paratha

Raw / Young Jackfruit Paratha (Jackfruit flatbread)

If you are one of those who enjoys Jackfruit, how do you like it? Ripe or young?

Jackfruit, found in the tropical regions, is rich in heart-healthy nutrients and fiber which makes it one among the best fruit to be consumed on a regular basis. It has a great nutrition profile which has given the fruit the wholesome fruit tag. It's a healthy vegan meat replacement and it has gained the favor of vegetarians, vegans and even the non - vegetarians equally.
In India, it grows in southern part and is harvested mainly during the summer season. In Kerala, this fruit is called Chakka.
During this lock down period, we are blessed to have this nutritious fruit. There are a wide variety of recipes we have to try out with this nutrients packed fruit, both in ripe and young form.

Today I made some Chakka puzhukku (Jackfruit steamed with spices). During dinner time while I was planning to make chapathi this idea came to my mind to try making paratha with the already made jackfruit dish I have. The dough was prepared in no time and the paratha tasted good that my daughter wasn't able to recognize it had jackfruit in it. So this paratha was not a planned one so hence I couldn't do justice with the photos in making these. Jackfruit paratha came into being when chakka puzhukku from southern part of India, Kerala, got married to Paratha, from northern part of India Punjab! It was a happy wedding!☺
 So, lets see how to make Jackfruit paratha!!

• Raw Jackfruit - 3 cups, chopped and diced.

For grinding

• Coconut - 1/2 cup( Optional)
• Cumin seeds - 1/2 Tsp
• Green chilly - 2no.s
• Garlic - 3 cloves
• Ginger - 1/2 inch piece
• Shallots - 3-4
• Black pepper - 1 Tsp
• Curry leaves - 2 sprigs
• Turmeric -1/2 tsp
• Salt - as required

For seasoning Jackfruit mixture

• Cooked Jackfruit
• Coarsely ground coconut mixture
• Coconut oil - 2 Tsp

For dough

• Wheat powder/Atta -2 cups
• Water -as required 
• Oil - 1/2 Tsp

Instructions:

For preparing the jackfruit mixture [Chakka puzhukku]

• In a big pot add water, salt and jackfruit. Cook it covered on medium heat for around 15 minutes checking in between to see if it is done. Or you may also pressure cook the jackfruit for one whistle to reduce the cooking time.
• Grind the ingredients (listed for grinding coconut mixture) coarsely and keep it aside.
• Heat a pan add the cooked jackfruit, followed by the coarsely ground coconut mixture.
• Top it with 2 tsps coconut oil.
• Keep it covered and let it stand on medium low flame for 3-4 minutes.
• Now open the lid so the steam will  be filled in the pot.
• Give it a few stir so that it is well mixed.
• Mix it together and remove it from from flame once it is done.
• Let it cool till it is easy to handle.

For making the dough :

• Take a bowl and add the seasoned jackfruit mixture to it.
• Gradually add atta to it and with your hands keep mixing it so that the jackfruit mixture is well incorporated to get a soft and pliable dough. Add water if the dough is hard to handle.
• Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Rolling out the parathas:

• Divide the dough into equal parts.
• Roll it into small sized balls.
• With the help of rolling pin, roll each ball into paratha of desired shape.

• Cook both sides in a hot griddle till it is done, brush with ghee/ oil.
• Serve hot parathas with pickle!

Notes:

You may add ajwain, garam masala and amchur powder to spice up your paratha. 

This paratha goes well with any of the side dish you have with plain ones.