Kathal ki Sabzi
Tender chunks of raw jackfruit cooked in a savory onion-tomato masala. This North Indian classic has a delightful meaty texture that even non-vegetarians will love, perfect with fresh rotis.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Cook the Jackfruit
- b.Generously apply oil to your hands and knife to prevent the jackfruit's sticky sap from adhering.
- c.Peel the raw jackfruit, remove the hard central core, and cut the flesh into 1-inch cubes.
- d.Place the jackfruit cubes in a pressure cooker. Add 2 cups of water and 1/2 tsp of salt.
- e.Secure the lid and pressure cook on medium heat for 2 whistles (about 10-12 minutes). The jackfruit should be tender but still hold its shape.
- f.Once the pressure releases naturally, drain the jackfruit and set it aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat until it is slightly smoking. This removes its pungent raw smell.
- c.Reduce the heat, add cumin seeds, bay leaf, and asafoetida. Let them crackle for about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 8-10 minutes until they turn deep golden brown.
- e.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Masala
- b.Add the tomato puree to the pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and oil begins to separate from the sides.
- c.Add the powdered spices: turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Mix well and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- d.If the masala becomes too dry, you can add a splash of water.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Simmer
- b.Add the cooked jackfruit pieces to the masala along with 3/4 tsp of salt (or to taste).
- c.Gently stir to coat the jackfruit evenly with the masala. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- d.Pour in 1 cup of water, stir well, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- e.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes. This allows the jackfruit to absorb all the flavors of the masala.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Sprinkle garam masala, amchur powder, and freshly chopped coriander leaves over the sabzi.
- c.Gently mix everything together.
- d.Let the sabzi rest, covered, for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to meld beautifully.
- e.Serve hot with roti, paratha, or as a side dish with dal and rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always oil your hands and knife before cutting raw jackfruit to avoid its sticky sap.
- 2For a richer flavor and firmer texture, you can shallow fry the boiled jackfruit pieces in a little oil until golden brown before adding them to the masala.
- 3Using mustard oil provides a traditional, pungent flavor. Make sure to heat it until it's smoking slightly before adding spices to mellow its sharpness.
- 4Don't overcook the jackfruit initially, as it will continue to cook in the masala and can become mushy.
- 5For a slight tang, you can add 2 tablespoons of beaten curd (yogurt) along with the tomato puree.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gravy Version
For a curry with more gravy, increase the water to 1.5 cups. You can also add 2 tablespoons of cashew paste or melon seed paste along with the tomato puree to create a richer, thicker gravy.
With PotatoesWith Potatoes
Add 1-2 medium-sized potatoes, cubed, along with the jackfruit during the pressure cooking step for a more substantial and filling dish.
No Onion No GarlicNo Onion No Garlic
For a Sattvic version, omit the onions and garlic. Increase the amount of tomato and ginger, and rely on asafoetida (hing) for a savory base.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies and the amount of red chili powder. You can also add a pinch of black pepper powder along with the garam masala at the end.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Jackfruit is an excellent source of fiber, which aids digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome. The high fiber content also contributes to a feeling of fullness, which can help with weight management.
Excellent Plant-Based Meat Alternative
The fibrous, meaty texture of raw jackfruit makes it a popular and nutritious substitute for meat in vegetarian and vegan diets. It provides a satisfying meal experience without the saturated fat and cholesterol found in meat.
Boosts Immunity
This dish is a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, both of which are powerful antioxidants that play a crucial role in strengthening the immune system and protecting the body against infections.
Supports Heart Health
Jackfruit is a good source of potassium, a mineral that is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Its fiber content also helps in managing cholesterol levels, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
The best way is to generously apply any cooking oil (like mustard or vegetable oil) to your hands, the knife, and the cutting board before you start cutting the jackfruit. This creates a barrier and makes cleanup much easier.