Idichakka Thoran

A Thoran is an Indian stir-fry and an integral part of a traditional Keralan banquet known as Sadhya.  The most common ingredient is cabbage but it can be made with practically any vegetable. This particular Thoran recipe uses unripe green jackfruit making it that little bit more interesting.

Ingredients
serves 4 as a side
1 small unripe jackfruit or 2 tins of green jackfruit (Idichakka)
2cm fresh root ginger, finely chopped
4 garlic, cloves, finely chopped
1/2 tsp Cumin seeds
6 Green Chillies
10 Shallots, or small pickling onions
100g grated coconut
4 dried red chilli, cut in half
1 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
10 - 15 curry leaves
2 tbsp coconut oil
Salt, to taste

Method

If you're lucky enough to have fresh jackfruit then cut it open, remove the skin and the thick stem part. Chop the tender part into smaller pieces.  Soak in salted water until your ready to cook.

If like me you're using tinned jackfruit then drain and wash the pieces in running water.

Put the jackfruit pieces in a large pan with a little water. Add a teaspoon of turmeric. Bring the water to a simmer and cook until the jackfuit begins to soften.  The fresh jackfruit will take a lot longer.

Drain and set aside to cool slightly before shredding by either bashing them with a pestle and mortar or a quick whizz in a food blender.

Next mix together the grated coconut, shallots, green chilies, ginger, cumin seeds and half a teaspoon of ground turmeric then pulse in a food processor to make a coarse paste.

Combine the shredded jackfruit with the coconut paste.

In a large frying pan on a high temperature heat the coconut oil then add the red chillie, musard seeds and curry leaves.  Once the seeds begin to splutter reduce the temperature to a medium and add the jackfruit.

Stir fry for a few minutes to combine the flavours, then turn the heat down to low and cover with a lid. Continue to cook for a further five minutes.

Add a few whole curry leaves and a teaspoon of coconut oil. Mix well and cook for a minute more. Taste and season with salt as needed.

Serve immediately.