chakka varatti (Jackfruit jam)

 

Chakka Varatti -A Jackfruit delicacy which is an authentic item of  God’s own country. Keralites always prefer locally and seasonally available ingredients like plantains,mangoes, jackfruits,coconut,tapioca etc in their regular diet and they used to grow these in their backyards too. When the specific seasons come they distribute the fruits to all their neighbours and close relatives. Now those days are disappearing little by little with the entry of Flat building culture where all the trees and land areas are sacrificed for the building of tall structures thereby destroying the greenery. So we even started depending on the neighbouring states for these local fruits . 

Variety of delicious dishes can be made using these simple and commonly available ingredients. One such is the chakka varatty. It is traditionally prepared in big cookware made of copper or bronze and is known as uruli. Now this is being substituted by aluminium wares. Also lot of ghee goes into the making of it usually, but here I have adjusted with two tablespoons . The flavour of ripe jackfruit is by itself unique , so why take the help of ghee . The making of this dish is quite tideous if its to be made for a large family as it requires long time stirring to attain the desired consistency. 

The same chakka varratty can be used for making chakka prathaman also. It has a long shelf life so it can be made as stored for furture use in making the payasam. Only doubt is- after tasting this unique dish will there be enough left for the prathaman later!!! If you want the recipe of the prathaman it is there in my blog but in a different style where I experimented a simplified method for quick making . The taste is good though not as traditional as the ones made with chakka varatty. 

Here in USA we do not have to wait patiently for the season to make this dish as the ripe jackfruit is available in canned forms in all Indian stores. Around 5-6 chunks will be available per can. Though the raw taste is not that good because of its syrup , the liquid can be drained and used to make these type sweets. it surely does give a near to authentic taste.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

• Ripe jackfruit- 2 cans
• Jaggery grated - 2 cups
• Cardamom powder- 1/2 tablespoon
• Coconut slices and raisins- optional
• Ghee- 2 tablespoons

How to Prepare:

Step 1: Chop the jackfruit pieces to small cubes and pressure cook for one whistle adding two cups water.

Step 2: Drain off the water and grind it to smooth paste . (If you like chunks in between you can just mash it with a ladle while cooking.)

Step 3: Melt the jaggery adding one cup water to a threadlike consistency.

Step 4: Heat the ghee in a flat pan and add the mashed jackfruit to it , stir well. add the jaggery syrup to it and mix well. Add the coconut slices and raisins and mix well.

Step 5: Keep stirring till the mixture attains a halwa consistency with a darker colour. Your yummy chakka varatty is ready !