Sri Lankan Young Jackfruit Curry (Polos) Recipe

 

Sri Lankan Young Jackfruit Curry (Polos) Recipe

Ingredients

For the Curry:

• 500 g young green jackfruit (cleaned and cut into cubes)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp roasted curry powder
• 1 tsp pepper powder
• 4 tbsp tamarind juice (soak tamarind pulp in water for a few minutes)
• 4 tbsp oil (coconut or vegetable)
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1-2 inch piece of pandan leaf
• 3 green chilies, cut
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, minced
• 2-inch piece of cinnamon
• 4 pods of cardamom, slightly bruised
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 cup thin coconut milk
• 1 cup thick coconut milk
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Jackfruit

1. Clean the Jackfruit: Ensure the jackfruit is cleaned and cut into cubes. Place them in a large bowl.
2. Marinate: Add turmeric powder, roasted curry powder, chili powder, pepper powder, tamarind juice, and salt. Mix well and set aside for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Tempering the Spices

1. Heat Oil: In a medium-sized pan or clay pot, heat the oil over low-medium heat.
2. Add Aromatics: Add curry leaves, pandan leaf, sliced onion, minced ginger, and garlic. Cook for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Whole Spices: Stir in the cinnamon and cardamom pods. Continue to cook until the onions turn slightly brown.
4. Add Mustard Seeds: Finally, add mustard seeds and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Jackfruit

1. Combine Ingredients: Add the marinated jackfruit to the tempered spices and mix well. Cook over low heat for about 5 minutes.
2. Add Thin Coconut Milk: Pour in the thin coconut milk, cover halfway with a lid, and simmer over medium heat until it evaporates and the jackfruit is halfway tender (about 20–30 minutes).
3. Add Thick Coconut Milk: Once the thin milk evaporates, add thick coconut milk and continue to simmer for another 20–30 minutes, or until the jackfruit is soft and you have a thick gravy.

Step 4: Final Adjustments

1. Taste and Season: Check for seasoning and add salt if necessary. If desired, add an extra half teaspoon of roasted curry powder for more flavor.