Chakka Varattiyathu

Ingredients

• - 400g jackfruit jam
• - 2 tbsp coconut oil
• - 1 fresh coconut (milk extracted)
• - 2 shallots
• - 2 green chillies
• - 1 sprig curry leaves
• - 1/4 tsp turmeric
• - Salt to taste

Method

1. About Chakka Varattiyathu: Slow-cooked jackfruit jam — dark, sticky and intensely sweet. Famous in All Kerala.
2. Prepare jackfruit jam: Deseed ripe jackfruit completely.
3. Heat coconut oil: Heat 2 tablespoons coconut oil in a heavy pan or claypot (manchatti). Coconut oil is essential for authentic Kerala cooking.
4. Temper: Add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds and wait for them to pop completely. Add 2 dried red chillies and 1 generous sprig of fresh curry leaves.
5. Fry aromatics: Add 2 shallots thinly sliced and 2 green chillies slit. Cook 3 to 4 minutes. Add 1/2 inch ginger in thin strips.
6. Add jackfruit jam: Add the prepared ingredient. Stir to coat with the tempered oil. Add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric and salt.
7. Add coconut milk: Add thin coconut milk. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until the main ingredient is tender.
8. Add thick coconut milk: Reduce to lowest heat. Add thick coconut milk. Stir gently. Never boil after adding thick coconut milk.
9. Simmer gently: Cook on very low heat 5 minutes until creamy. Finish with a drizzle of raw coconut oil and fresh curry leaves.
10. Serve: Serve with steamed rice, appam, idiyappam or puttu.