Chakkakkuru & Pavakka Mezhukkupuratti / Jack fruit seed& Bitter gourd stir fry – Kerala Style

Ckakkakkuru & pavakka mezhukkupuratti is one of the nostalgic dish. It is a popular Kerala special side dish that goes well with plain boiled rice and curry. Chakkakkuru (Jackfruit seeds) contain a good amount of protein. It contains vitamins which are good for healthy skin and hair. Jack fruit seeds are also rich in fibre, which in turn helps to prevent constipation.

Bitter Gourd(Pavakka) is a low calorie vegetable but dense with precious nutrients. It is an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, and B3, C, magnesium, folate, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, and has high dietary fiber. It is rich in iron, contains twice the beta-carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, and twice the potassium of a banana.

Soaking the Gourd in salt water before cooking helps to lighten the bitter taste of Pavakka/Bitter Gourd. Try this Simple Bitter Gourd & Jackfruit seed stir fry recipe and enjoy.

Ingredients: 

Pavakka(Bittergourd) - 1 cup

Chakkakkuru(Jackfruit seeds) - 1 cup(10 -15 nos)

Shallots(Small onions) - 5 nos

Dry red chillies  - 3 nos

Mustard seeds – ½ tsp

Curry leaves – 7 to 8 nos

Turmeric powder – ¼  + ½ tsp

Green chillies – 2 to 3 nos

Coconut oil - 3 tsp

Salt - As reqd

Method:

1. Peel, slice and clean jack fruit seeds. Cook jackfruit with salt & Turmeric and keep aside.
2. Cut bitter gourd in thin slices.
3. Heat oil in a pan. Crackle mustard seeds, add shallot, when it become brown color add curry leaves, whole red chilly and green chilly.
4. To this mixture, transfer bitter gourd, cooked jackfruit seeds and enough amount of salt. Sauté well, close the lid and allow it to cook. No need to add water. Stir occasionally. This should take 5 to 10 mintues.
5. Once the bitter gourd is cooked, open the lid and fry it in medium flame till all the water is dried out and the vegetable is fried well.
6. Chakkakkuru & pavakka mezhukkupuratti is ready to be served. Serve hot with rice.