Sri Lankan Jackfruit Curry Recipe – Indian Polos Curry with Baby Green Jackfruit

How to Make Roasted Sri Lankan Curry Powder:

1) In a non-stick pan, 2 Tbsp coriander seeds, 1 Tbsp cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp fennel seeds, 2 inch piece of cinnamon, 4 cardamom pods, 4 cloves, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp mustard seeds, and 1/2 tsp white rice.

2) Roast over medium/low flame for about 5-8 minutes until it starts to brown and becomes fragrant.

3) Remove the roasted spices from the pan and allow to cool completely.

4) Using a small electric grinder, grind the spices into a powder.

Roasting Red Chili Powder:

1) In a non-stick pan, add 2 Tbsp red chili powder and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder and roast it over medium/low flame for about 5-8 minutes until it starts to brown.

2) Remove the roasted chili powder and set it aside in a small bowl. Add 1 Tbsp roasted Sri Lankan curry powder and keep it aside for later.

How to Make Polos Curry:

1) In a large pan or pot over medium/high heat, add 5 Tbsp coconut oil. Once hot, add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds, 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, and 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds. Saute for 10-20 seconds.

2) Add 5 cloves of minced garlic and saute for 10-20 seconds.

3) Next, add 1 onion finely chopped, and saute for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the onion starts to get a golden color.

4) Add 10-15 curry leaves, 2 pandan leaves, and 1 tsp tamarind. Saute for 10-20 seconds.

PRO TIP: For Pandan leaves, check the frozen section of an Asian grocery store!

5) Next, add your spice mix prepared earlier ( 2 Tbsp roasted red chili powder & 1 Tbsp Roasted Sri Lankan Curry Powder) and saute for about 30 seconds.

6) Add about 500g of canned & drained baby green jackfruit. Mix thoroughly to coat the jackfruit evenly.

7) Add 3 cups of coconut milk and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly.

8) Cover and cook the curry on low heat until the jackfruit is tender. You can cook it for 1-2 hours on very low heat for the slow cook method, or turn the heat up to medium to cook faster!

PRO TIP: If you’re cooking it slowly, you may need to add more coconut milk as the liquid evaporates.

9) Once the jackfruit is tender, so a taste test to check seasonings and add more salt if needed.

10) Serve with a steaming bowl of rice. Enjoy!