Breadfruit (Kadachakka) is a tropical fruit found abundantly in Kerala. It looks similar to a very small jackfruit. The unripe fruit is often used in curries and stir-fries. Once cooked, the flesh tastes similar to that of Potato. It is also known as Sheema Chakka. I have tasted Varutharacha Kadachakka Curry several years ago but don’t remember eating it in any other form.
When we visited Kerala this summer, we were able to get a taste of a simple stir fry made using unripe Breadfruit or Kadachakka. It tastes delicious with Rice and is so easy to prepare. Here is the recipe for Kadachakka Mezhkkupuratti (Breadfruit Stir fry). Next time, I visit the Indian grocery store, I need to buy Kadachakka.
Ingredients
- Kadachakka – 1 big
- Sliced Onions – 1 medium
- Chopped Garlic – 2 small cloves
- Turmeric Powder – 1/2 tsp
- Red Chilly Powder – 1 tsp
- Salt – to taste
- Water – 1 cup
- Oil – 1 tbsp
- Mustard Seeds – 1/4 tsp
- Black Pepper Powder – 1 tsp
- Garam Masala Powder – 1 tsp
- Curry Leaf – 1 sprig
Preparation Method
- Peel the skin off the Breadfruit. Cut it into long strips and soak it in water for 10 minutes so that it doesn’t change color.
- In a vessel, combine the breadfruit with onions, garlic, turmeric powder, chilly powder, 1 cup water and salt to taste.
- Bring everything to a boil on medium heat. Simmer for around 5 minutes or until the Breadfruit is soft and the water has evaporated.
- In another pan, add 1 tbsp oil. Splutter mustard seeds and curry leaves.
- Add the cooked breadfruit to the oil along with garam masala and pepper powders.
- Stir fry on medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Serve with rice.