Idichakka Thoran is a traditional Kerala dish that we commonly found in a "Sadhya". Idichakka Thoran is made out of fresh tender jackfruits, mildly spiced and flavoured with fresh coconut. "Idichakka" is a Jack fruit in Malayalam and is one of the seasonal products in Kerala and it is available in different varieties. "Thoran" refers to any kind of dry curry. Idichakka Thoran is one such popular cuisine of Kerala, in which tender jackfruit is cooked, then shredded and stir fried with coconut, some spices and served along with steamed rice.
Ingredients for Idichakka Thoran:
•Tender Jack fruit /Idichakka - 1 small
•Ginger - 1 small piece
•Garlic - 2 pods
•Cumin Seeds - 1/4 tsp
•Green Chillies - 2 to 3
•Shallots - 4 to 5
•Grated Coconut - 1/2 cup
•Dry Red Chilli - 2 broken into 2 pieces
•Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
•Mustard Seeds - 1/4 tsp
•Urad Dal - 1 tsp
•Curry Leaves - 1 sprig
•Coconut Oil - 1 tbsp
•Salt to taste
•Water - 2 cups
Method:
1. Cut the jackfruit in to small pieces and de-skin them and rinse the pieces in running water.
2. Pressure cook the cleaned jackfruit with little water, salt and 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder for 1-2 whistles. When it is done remove from fire, drain it and allow it to cool.
3. Shred the cooked jackfruit piece by pounding them using a pestle or pulse in a food processor or mixer.
4. Combine grated coconut, shallots, green chillies, ginger, cumin seeds and 1/4 tsp turmeric powder and grind it coarsely.
5. Combine the grounded coconut mixture to the shredded jackfruit.
6. Heat coconut oil in a pan; add dry chilly pieces and mustard seeds.
7. Once they splutter, add curry leaves and urad dal.
8. Now add the coconut jackfruit mix and saute them in medium heat.
9. Cover and cook for couple of minutes in low flame.
10. Finally add fresh curry leaves and 1 tsp of coconut oil and saute for a minute, adjust the salt and remove from the fire.
11. Serve with hot steamed rice or kanji.
Related Articles
Indian Food
History of Indian Food
Food in Ancient India
Food in Vedic Period
Recipes in Vedic Period
Kerala
Cuisine of Kerala
Jack Fruit Tree