Jackfruit Korma
Tender chunks of raw jackfruit simmered in a rich, creamy, and fragrant gravy made with cashews, yogurt, and aromatic spices. A luxurious vegetarian main course that pairs perfectly with naan or rice.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Jackfruit
- b.Apply a little oil to your hands and knife to prevent the jackfruit's latex from sticking. Cut the raw jackfruit into 1.5-inch cubes.
- c.Place the jackfruit pieces in a pressure cooker. Add 1 cup of water, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp turmeric powder.
- d.Secure the lid and pressure cook on medium heat for 2-3 whistles (about 10 minutes) until the jackfruit is tender but still holds its shape. Let the pressure release naturally, then drain and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Korma Paste
- b.While the jackfruit cooks, soak the cashews in 1/4 cup of warm water for at least 15 minutes.
- c.Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wide pan (kadhai) over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and fry, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes until they are evenly golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and let them cool.
- d.In a blender jar, combine the fried onions, soaked cashews (along with their water), and the whisked curd. Blend until you have a completely smooth paste.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Gravy Base
- b.In the same pan, heat 3 tbsp of ghee over medium heat. Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, green cardamoms, and cloves. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until they become fragrant.
- c.Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- d.Pour in the prepared onion-cashew-curd paste. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring continuously, until the paste thickens and you see ghee separating at the edges.
- e.Add the tomato puree and cook for another 5 minutes until it is well incorporated and the mixture starts to release ghee again.
- f.Reduce the heat to low. Add 0.25 tsp turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Stir well and cook for 1 minute.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Simmer
- b.Add the cooked jackfruit pieces to the gravy. Gently mix to coat them thoroughly with the masala.
- c.Pour in 1.5 cups of warm water and add 0.75 tsp of salt. Stir to combine.
- d.Bring the curry to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. This allows the jackfruit to absorb all the flavors of the gravy.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Garnish
- b.Turn off the heat. Stir in the garam masala, crushed kasuri methi, and optional fresh cream.
- c.Mix gently until everything is well combined. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
- d.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1To save time, you can use store-bought fried onions (birista).
- 2For a richer flavor, you can shallow fry the boiled jackfruit pieces in a little ghee until they are light golden brown before adding them to the gravy.
- 3Always use full-fat, room temperature curd and add the paste on medium-low heat to prevent it from curdling.
- 4Using warm water for the gravy helps maintain the cooking temperature and results in a better texture.
- 5This korma tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace ghee with a neutral oil, use a plant-based yogurt (like cashew or coconut yogurt), and substitute fresh cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream paste.
Nut FreeNut-Free
Substitute cashews with an equal amount of soaked melon seeds (magaz) or poppy seeds (khus khus) to achieve a similar creamy texture.
SpicierSpicier
Add 2-3 slit green chilies along with the ginger-garlic paste for an extra kick of heat.
With Other VegetablesWith Other Vegetables
This korma gravy works beautifully with other ingredients like paneer, tofu, mushrooms, or a mix of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and green peas.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Raw jackfruit is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes a healthy gut microbiome, and can help with weight management by providing a feeling of fullness.
Good Source of Plant-Based Protein
Jackfruit offers a moderate amount of plant-based protein, making this dish a substantial and satisfying meal for vegetarians and those looking to reduce meat consumption.
Packed with Antioxidants
The array of spices used, such as turmeric, cloves, and cinnamon, are loaded with powerful antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
Contains Essential Minerals
Jackfruit is a good source of essential minerals like potassium, which is important for heart health and blood pressure regulation, and manganese, which supports bone health.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Jackfruit Korma contains approximately 380-450 calories, depending on the amount of ghee, oil, and cream used. This estimate is for a serving size of about one cup.