Tuesday, June 29, 2021

How to Make Summer Special Watermelon Salad

Hello Foodies,

         Hydrating and Refreshing watermelon and creamy feta salad, summertime in a bowl! This is our new favorite summer side dish! 

This salad has simple ingredients that are a winning combination and so refreshing and flavorful! The flavor combination might sound odd at first, but trust me, it is an absolutely delightful side for summer bbq! It is the perfect salad for a hot summer day and a fun way to jazz up everyone’s favorite summer fruit.

Video Recipe:

I love good fruity and veggie summer salads. Because summer is a time when all vegetables and fruits are at their peak. Sweet, juicy watermelon, creamy, soft feta cheese, aromatic mint leaves, and antioxidant-rich blueberries are the showcases of this salad. The feta cheese gives this salad a satisfying Greek Salad flavor and adds the salty notes so you hardly have to add any salt (or you can skip the salt. The feta cheese takes it over the top, so don’t skip it!

What is Feta Cheese?

Feta cheese is a soft, white-colored cheese made from the milk of sheep and goats. It’s known for its rich aroma and slightly sour taste. It is an excellent source of nutrients like calcium and protein, and vitamins. Feta is lower in fat than many other kinds of cheese, however, and is considered a reasonable option to eat in moderation. It is made from sheep and goat's milk, and that is why it’s also easier to digest. Feta cheese adds a hefty dose of protein and the protein makes a Greek feta salad equally fantastic as an easy side salad or a filling and healthy meatless meal! Do give it a try!

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes.
Each Serving of Watermelon Feta Salad Contains 144 Cal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Cups Watermelon Cubes
  • 1 Cup Feta Cheese, Cubed/Crumbled
  • ½ Cup Blueberries
  • 1 Cup Greens/Lettuce, chopped
  • 3-4 Walnuts, soaked in the water for 2-3 hours
  • Fresh Mint and Basil leaves
  • Black Salt to taste
  • 2 Tbsp EV Olive Oil
  • 2 Tbsp Lemon/Lime Juice

Instructions:

  • Rinse the whole watermelon and cut it in half.
  • Lay the flat side/big side on a cutting board, start to slice, working from one side to the other.
  • Using a sharp knife, carefully peel the skin off, about ½ inch in depth.
  • Cut the watermelon into cubes.
  • Now, in a bowl add greens, blueberries, mint-basil leaves, watermelon cubes, walnuts, salt, olive oil, lemon juice, and feta cheese.
  • Give everything a quick stir and the salad is ready.
  • Refreshing and hydrating summer salad is ready to serve. Serve chilled. Enjoy!!!

How to Store the Watermelon Salad?

Store watermelon salad in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days.

Health Benefits of Watermelon-Feta Salad:

  • Watermelon has a high water content, that helps to keep you hydrating and helps you feel full.
  • Watermelon is a low-calorie fruit and high in antioxidants.
  • It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Helps in digestion: Fiber and water are important for healthy digestion.
  • It may help promote healthy skin, including reducing the risk of age-related damage.
  • Feta cheese is a good source of essential protein, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Feta contains more calcium than many other kinds of cheese and that helps to maintain healthy teeth and bones.
  • Feta cheese is a low-calorie, low-fat cheese.
  • It is also a good source of B vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus.
  • This salad provides powerful antioxidants.
  • It has detoxifying, hydrating, and cleansing properties.
  • It is loaded with healthy fats, fiber, and micronutrients like various vitamins and minerals.

Dietary Comment:

  • The calorie count is based on a 2000 calorie diet.
  • Per serving contains 144 calories, 12.3 g carbohydrates, 8.8 g fats, and 5.5 g protein.
  • Portion size can always be increased or decreased depending on your health goals and activity level.
  • (Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is calculated using a nutrition facts calculator. It is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used).

Some More Salad Recipes to Try:

Good Time To Eat:

           It is good to eat Watermelon Feta Salad for breakfast, snacks, or as a light meal. 

  • If you make this recipe, share your food picture with hashtag #aaichisavali on Instagram and Facebook so that everyone can enjoy it too! 
  • Subscribe to my YouTube channel for Healthy, Tasty, Instant Pot, and Air fryer recipes.
  • I love it when you try my recipes and send me pictures & feedback.

Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy!!!

How To Make Gumpaste Flowers/पारिजात /Indian Night Jasmine

Hello Foodies,

      My 1st attempt to make these elegant parijat or night jasmine flowers. It’s been a long time, I wanted to try them, and Yay! I made it. 

These simple white with orange flowers are great to decorate the cake and offer a way of decorating ideas for decorators. A quick elegant finishing touch is possible by adding pre-made gum paste flowers to your cake.

    Parijat (Night flowering Jasmine) or harbinger is considered to be the flower that is fit for the Gods. The flowers of parijat bloom at night and this is why they are called night-flowering jasmine. The flowers are arranged in a pinwheel pattern above the vibrant orange center. 

Video Tutorial:

Try these beautiful, elegant gum paste flowers to create brilliantly designed cakes with sugar flowers in an array of colors. 

  • If you make this recipe, share your food picture with hashtag #aaichisavali on Instagram and Facebook so that everyone can enjoy it too! 
  • Subscribe to my YouTube channel for Healthy, Tasty, Instant Pot, and Air fryer recipes.
  • I love it when you try my recipes and send me pictures & feedback.

Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy!!!

Friday, June 25, 2021

How to Make Snake Gourd Fritters(Padwal Bhajji)

Hello Foodies,

         I was amazed by the spectacular air-fried Snakegourd Fritters/Rings! Padwal bhajjis turned out super scrumptious, and crispy. This healthy and delicious dish is a perfect side dish for varan-bhat, chapati, or roti.

The Snakegourds (Padwal in Marathi) are incredibly tender and unbelievably sweet. Padwal is a powerhouse of nutrients. They are rich in minerals and contain many medicinal compounds. Although Padwal vegetable is not liked by many if cooked in the right way it tastes delicious.

Video Recipe:

These snake gourd fritters are coated with a thick besan mixture with turmeric, red chili powder, and air-fried till golden brown.

So try making something innovative that allures your taste buds. If you haven't tried it yet, then try it out. Get this amazing, versatile veggie home. Eat local and seasonal foods always which are more healthy as well as tasty. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 Snakegourd(Padwal), medium-sized
  • 2-3 Tbsp Besan/Chickpeas Flour/Bengal Gram Flour
  • 1 Tbsp Rice Flour
  • 1 Tsp Red Chili Powder
  • ¼ Tsp Turmeric powder
  • 2 Tbsp Lime/Lemon Juice
  • ¼ Tsp Carom Seeds
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 Tsp Oil

Instructions:

  • Cut the ends of the snake gourd and then cut it into half. 
  • Scoop out the seeds from them. 
  • Cut them into thin rounds/rings, about 1 cm thick, and place them in a bowl.
  • Add besan, rice flour, red chili powder, turmeric, lime juice, carom seeds, and salt and mix well with hand.
  • Mix well till the flours and spices evenly coat the snake gourd rings. 
  • Cover and keep aside for 10 mins.
  • Meanwhile, Preheat the Air fryer at 390 F for 3 minutes.
  • Place the snake gourd rings in the oil greased baking pan/in the air fryer’s basket and make sure they are not crowded.
  • Air Fry at 390 F for 10 minutes.
  • After 5 minutes, flip them.
  • Crispy, tasty, and perfectly browned snake gourd rings/ padwal bhajjis are ready.
  • Remove and allow to cool down. 
  • Serve them with Vrana-Bhat or an evening snack recipe with tea. Enjoy!!!

Dietary Comment:

  • The calorie count is based on a 2000 calorie diet.
  • Per serving contains 140 calories, 22 g carbohydrates, 2.3 g dietary fiber, 5.1 g fats, and 3.9 g protein.
  • Portion size can always be increased or decreased depending on your health goals and activity level.
  • (Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is calculated using a nutrition facts calculator. It is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used).

Snake Gourd Health Benefits:

  • Snake gourd is fat-free, low in calories, and good to include in weight-loss regular diets.
  • Snake gourd is high in water content and has a cooling effect on the body, hence it aids in handling the summer heat.
  • It is very rich in fiber to keep your digestive system healthy, it will be useful for aiding constipation.
  • Snake gourd is a good source of vitamins and minerals.
  • It helps to purify the blood.
  • It has anti-aging properties.
  • It helps to boost immunity.

Some More Healthy Air Fryer Recipes to Try:

Good Time To Eat:

           It is good to eat snakegourd rings for lunch, snacks, or dinner.

  • If you make this recipe, share your food picture with hashtag #aaichisavali on Instagram and Facebook so that everyone can enjoy it too! 
  • Subscribe to my YouTube channel for Healthy, Tasty, Instant Pot, and Air fryer recipes.
  • I love it when you try my recipes and send me pictures & feedback.

Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy!!!

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

How to cut a Watermelon into cubes for easy eating

Hello Foodies,

         My summer’s favorite fruit, naturally hydrating, ultra-refreshing watermelon! It is one of the sweet and refreshing low-calorie summer snacks. It provides hydration and also essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating cold watermelon right out of the refrigerator is one of the summer’s greatest joys.

          Watermelon is around 90% water, which makes it useful for staying hydrated in the summer. It can also satisfy a sweet tooth with its natural sugars. 

Video Recipe:

This post is going to show you the easiest, and quickest method for how to cut a watermelon into strips and cubes of any size.

To Cut the Watermelon You'll Need:

  • Ripe Watermelon
  • A sharp knife.
  • Bowl to keep watermelon cubes
  • Salt and chat masala to sprinkle on the watermelon cubes
  • Toothpick to serve watermelon cubes

Instructions:

  • Rinse and dry the whole watermelon.
  • Remove a half-inch off the top and bottom of the watermelon.
  • Now cut the watermelon in half.
  • Lay the flat side/big side on a cutting board, start to slice, working from one side to the other.
  • Using a sharp knife, starting from the top, and following the contour of the watermelon, carefully peel the skin off, about ½ inch in depth.
  • Continue to peel the watermelon, taking off 2-3 inch wide pieces of the peel following the white inner peel color, being sure to cut deep enough to see only the flesh.
  • Cut the watermelon into 1-inch strips.
  • Watermelon strips are ready to serve.

To cut the watermelon into Cubes:

  • Take the strips out and cut them into 1-inch cubes.
  • Place the watermelon cubes into a bowl.
  • Sprinkle some black salt and chat masala over the watermelon cubes. Enjoy!!!

How to Store the watermelon?

  • Store cut watermelon in an airtight container for up to 7-8 days.

To Freeze Watermelon: 

  • You can freeze watermelon without the rind and use it within a year. Their thawed texture will be altered but they are excellent when frozen and thrown in smoothies.

Health Benefits of Watermelon:

  • Watermelon has a high water content, that helps to keep you hydrating and helps you feel full.
  • Watermelon is a low-calorie fruit and high in antioxidants.
  • It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Helps in digestion: Fiber and water are important for healthy digestion.
  • It may help promote healthy skin, including reducing the risk of age-related damage.
  • Watermelon and watermelon juice may reduce muscle soreness.

Dietary Comment:

  • The calorie count is based on a 2000 calorie diet.
  • Per serving contains 30 calories, 7.5 g carbohydrates, 0.1 g fats, and 0.6 g protein.
  • Portion size can always be increased or decreased depending on your health goals and activity level.
  • (Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is calculated using a nutrition facts calculator. It is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used).

Here are some How-To/DIY 101 posts:

  • If you make this recipe, share your food picture with hashtag #aaichisavali on Instagram and Facebook so that everyone can enjoy it too! 
  • Subscribe to my YouTube channel for Healthy, Tasty, Instant Pot, and Air fryer recipes.
  • I love it when you try my recipes and send me pictures & feedback.

Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy!!!

Saturday, June 19, 2021

How to Make Vegan Jackfruit Burger in the Air Fryer

Hello Foodies,

        This vegan, gluten-free meal option is a favorite of mine and an easy midweek go-to dinner. If you are looking to serve a vegan burger to a vegan/vegetarian friend, this is the recipe for you. It comes together quickly with the help of your instant pot and air fryer and has a grilled burger taste without firing up a grill. Serve on a bun with desired toppings. Incredibly meaty patties full of texture and flavor, sure to make you come back for more. 

They have fewer fats, more fibers, and zero cholesterol, but still plenty of nutrients. The fleshy texture of jackfruit makes this versatile ingredient the perfect choice for meat-free burgers and nuggets.

Video Recipe:



If you're interested in trying jackfruit recipes, these burger patties are for you! They are the perfect substitute for meat. It tastes so delicious! 

You will love this burger, because-

  • Vegan and Gluten-free
  • healthy and quick meal option.
  • meal prep perfection.
  • Fiber and protein-rich
  • Full of nutrition and flavor

What are Vegan Burgers?

     A vegan burger is a burger patty without any meat or dairy products. They’re commonly made with plant-based ingredients like beans or veggies. You can cook a vegan burger in the Air Fryer, Instant Pot, Oven, or fry it up on the stovetop too.

Ingredients:

To Cook Jackfruit in the Instant Pot:

  • Green/Unripe Jackfruit 2 lbs, Chopped
  • Salt 1 Tsp
  • Turmeric 1 Tsp
  • Green Chilies 5-6
  • Water as needed

To Make Jackfruit Patties:

  • 7-8 oz Jackfruit, Cooked
  • ⅓-1 Cup Besan/Chickpeas flour
  • 2-3 Tbsp Ground Flax Seeds
  • ¼ cup Red Onion, chopped
  • ½ Tsp fresh ginger, (grated)
  • ¼ Cup cilantro, (chopped)
  • 1 Tsp Curry Powder
  • 1 Tsp Red chili powder for more spice)

To Assemble/Serve the Burger:

  • 4 Burger Buns
  • Mayonnaise(Use Vegan/Vegetarian)
  • Tomato, rings
  • Onion, rings 
  • Lettuce

Instructions:

To Cook Jackfruit in the Instant Pot:

  • Transfer the jackfruit pieces into the insert of the instant pot.
  • Now add salt 1 tsp, turmeric 1 tsp, green chilies, and pour water.
  • Give everything a quick stir and close the lid of the instant pot.
  • Place the vent in the sealing position.
  • Cook on Manual Mode(Hi) for 4 minutes.
  • Quick-release the pressure and once the pin drops down open the lid.
  • Drain the water and remove the jackfruit from the pot.
  • Using a fork, mash the jackfruit.
  • Here perfectly cooked, tender, juicy, and crispy jackfruit is ready to make patties.
  • You can freeze leftover cooked jackfruit for further use.

To Make Burger Patties:

  • Drain the water and transfer the jackfruit to a food processor along with the chickpea flour, ground flaxseeds, chopped onions, grated ginger, coriander, curry powder, red chili powder, salt, and pepper, and a tablespoon of oil. 
  • Give a few pulses till everything comes together.
  • Take the patty mix out and place in a bowl. 
  • Add a little more chickpea flour if the mix feels too sticky. 
  • Shape into 4 patties and flatten into a 3-4” circle(about 1/3 cup each) and chill for about 30 minutes in the fridge.

To Air Fry Burger Patties:

  • Preheat the Air Fryer at 370 F for 3 minutes.
  • Grease the air fryer’s basket with the oil.
  • Place 2 patties in an air fryer’s basket.
  • Air fry/cook at 370 F for 5 minutes per side. 
  • Remove and immediately top with a slice of cheese and repeat with remaining patties. 
  • For thicker patties, you may need to add a few minutes and for thinner patties, you may need to decrease the time.

To Cook Burger Patties on the Pan:

  • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan.
  • Fry the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side on medium flame. 
  • Cook patties until golden brown, turning halfway through cook time.
  • Lastly, top patties with a slice of cheese.

To Assemble the Burger:

  • Spread mayo on the bottom half of the burger bun.
  • Place the salad greens/Lettuce on top and then the patty with cheese.
  • Top with tomato-onion rings and salad greens/Lettuce.
  • Cover with the top half of the burger bun. 
  • Here, a vegan and delicious jackfruit burger are ready to serve. Enjoy!!!

Tips:

  • When making homemade vegan Burgers is to make sure you’re using a good binding ingredient. For this Burger recipe, we used chickpeas flour as a binding ingredient. This helps hold the burger patty shape so it cooks evenly and brings out all the flavors. If you’re not using a good binding agent they will just fall apart.
  • You can add Nutritional Yeast 4 tbsp too.
  • Make sure to shape your burger patties so they fit inside your Air Fryer basket. 
  • When cooking your patties from frozen, add a few minutes to the cooking time. 
  • You may want to refrigerate your bean burger mixture for 20-30 minutes before you form the patties so that they can soak up any moisture and the mixture firm up.
  • Serve these vegan burger patties with lots of veggies and whatever other burger toppings you love.
  • The patties can be frozen with parchment paper between each patty. They’ll keep about a month in the freezer.

Some options for the binding ingredient: wheat germ, eggs, egg flax. oats or bread crumbs all work instead of chickpeas flour.

Dietary Comment:

  • The calorie count is based on a 2000 calorie diet.
  • Per serving contains 354 calories, 42 g carbohydrates, 7.5 g dietary fiber, 10.8g fats, and 12.6 g protein.
  • Portion size can always be increased or decreased depending on your health goals and activity level.
  • (Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is calculated using a nutrition facts calculator. It is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on products used.)

Some more Jackfruit Recipes to try:

Good Time To Eat:

           It is good to eat a Vegan Burger for lunch or dinner.

  • If you make this recipe, share your food picture with hashtag #aaichisavali on Instagram and Facebook so that everyone can enjoy it too! 
  • Subscribe to my YouTube channel for Healthy, Tasty, Instant Pot, and Air fryer recipes.
  • I love it when you try my recipes and send me pictures & feedback.

Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy!!!

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

How to Make Jackfruit Tacos | Vegan Tacos | Vegan Taco Meat | Spicy Garlic Chipotle Jackfruit Tacos

Hello Foodies,

         Jackfruit is a great meat substitute, packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and they’re also so healthy. These vegan tacos are made with some of my favorite ingredients, like jackfruit, avocado, and tortillas. 

I prefer to cook jackfruit in my Instant Pot, but you can use a regular pot or use an Indian pressure cooker too. I have used fresh green jackfruit, cut at home, and used. But if you could not find a fresh one, then just buy the canned raw jackfruit. They take just 25 minutes to whip up for a perfect weeknight meal. So delicious even meat-eaters will be surprised with this jackfruit recipe that is packed with flavor and will love this! 

Video Recipe:

We(my hubby and I) love jackfruit(ripe & unripe) and never tire of them and am always looking for ways to add this superfood to our diet. I always use avocado to make most of my Mexican recipes because we love it and it’s a great source of healthy fat. Cubed avocado is great, but as we like guacamole I used it instead of vegan cream.

These tacos can be made gluten-free. Just use corn tortillas instead of the wheat flour ones. They will taste almost the same and you’ll enjoy a completely gluten-free and delicious meal!

You'll love these Vegan Tacos because it's:

  • Decadent & Delicious
  • Vegan / Vegetarian
  • Fiber and protein-rich
  • Lower in Calories and Fat
  • Full of nutrition and flavor
  • Kids-friendly
  • Perfect for topping salad, sandwiches, and more!

Ingredients:

To Cook Jackfruit in the Instant Pot:

  • Green/Unripe Jackfruit 2 lbs, Chopped
  • Salt 2 Tsp
  • Turmeric 2 Tsp
  • Green Chilies 5-6
  • Water as needed

To Make the jackfruit Tacos:

  • 7 Oz Green Jackfruit, Cooked and shredded
  • 2 Tsp Vegetable oil
  • 1 Onion, chopped
  • 4 Cloves Garlic, minced/finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 Tsp Red Chili Powder
  • 1 Tsp Cumin Powder
  • 1 Tsp Oregano, dried
  • 1 Tsp Smoked Paprika
  • Salt to taste

To Assemble/Serving the Tacos:

Instructions:

To Cook Jackfruit in the Instant Pot:

  • Transfer the jackfruit pieces into the insert of the instant pot.
  • Now add salt 1 tsp, turmeric 1 tsp, green chilies, and pour water.
  • Give everything a quick stir and close the lid of the instant pot.
  • Place the vent in the sealing position.
  • Cook on Manual Mode(Hi) for 4 minutes.
  • Quick-release the pressure and once the pin drops down open the lid.
  • Drain the water and remove the jackfruit from the pot.
  • Using a fork, mash the jackfruit.
  • Here perfectly cooked, tender, juicy, and crispy jackfruit is ready to make taco filling.

To Make the Jackfruit Taco Filling:

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet/pan over medium-high flame. 
  • When hot, add the onions and garlic and sauté for about 4-5 minutes or until the onions have softened and begun to brown.
  • Now, add tomato paste, cumin powder, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, to the pot and mix all well.
  • Add cooked and shredded jackfruit to the pan and mix well.
  • Reduce the flame and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  • If you find it a bit wet, just cook a little longer. 

To Assemble the Jackfruit Tacos:

  • Warm the tortilla/taco shells(If using store-bought then warm them according to the package directions). 
  • When warmed, arrange them in a taco holder.
  • Now, spread 2 tbsp of guacamole/mashed avocado over the tortilla or add a scoop to the taco shell.
  • Now top it with a generous amount of the prepared jackfruit filling.
  • And top with avocado slices, cherry tomato, lime wedges, and lettuce.
  • Or you can top with whatever your favorite taco toppings are!
  • I also love a squeeze of hot sauce.
  • Here, vegan, healthy, and delightful jackfruit tacos are ready to serve. Enjoy!!!  

Dietary Comment:

  • The calorie count is based on a 2000 calorie diet.
  • Per serving contains 124 calories,  23.6 g carbohydrates, 7.5 g dietary fiber, 4.3 g fats, and 5.2 g protein.
  • Portion size can always be increased or decreased depending on your health goals and activity level.
  • (Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is calculated using a nutrition facts calculator. It is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on products used.)

Pro tips to Make Vegan Tacos:

  • Use 2 cups or 200 g of canned jackfruit if you don’t find fresh jackfruit.
  • I like to cook jackfruit in my Instant Pot, but you can use a regular pot or Indian pressure cooker.
  • Herbs like parsley or even lettuce are good options to substitute cilantro.
  • Make your tacos as spicy as you want.

Can you freeze vegan tacos?

  • Yes, you can. To freeze the tacos, I’d recommend freezing the jackfruit filling and the tortillas separately. 

Here are some more Mexican recipes to try:

Good Time To Eat:

           It is good to eat Jackfruit Tacos for lunch, or dinner.

  • If you make this recipe, share your food picture with hashtag #aaichisavali on Instagram and Facebook so that everyone can enjoy it too! 
  • Subscribe to my YouTube channel for Healthy, Tasty, Instant Pot, and Air fryer recipes.
  • I love it when you try my recipes and send me pictures & feedback.

Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy!!!

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

A step-by-step guide on how to cook jackfruit and how to freeze it for an easy weeknight meal

Hello Foodies,

         Have you tried cooking green/raw jackfruit in your instant pot? Today I want to show you my step-by-step guide on how to cook this superfood in the instant pot, and how to freeze it!. When cooked properly jackfruit is bursting with flavor, tender, and juicy, with crispy edges that taste just like meat / pulled pork!

I first tried green jackfruit after marriage, in a curry/stir fry form. My MIL made jackfruit curry and I was BLOWN away. I was like this stuff is fruit?! But it tastes Mind Blowing. And from that day I became a fan of green jackfruit. If you’ve already had jackfruit and don’t think you like it, I urge you to try it prepared like this.

Video Recipe:

Cutting the jackfruit takes a little bit of effort, I recommend cutting the whole jackfruit and then freezing it into individual bags for easy meal prep. It’s foolproof in creating the most delicious tasting jackfruit that you can use in burgers, curries, sandwiches, tacos, bowls, or anywhere you want to enjoy the meat/pulled BBQ-like flavor.

What is Jackfruit?

        Jackfruit is a gigantic, spiny tropical fruit that is indigenous to India but now grows in tropical and subtropical climates like Southeast Asia. Unripe or green jackfruit is what you can use to make savory dishes, like jackfruit curry, jackfruit biryani, jackfruit taco, jackfruit burger, and many more. Ripe jackfruit is orange/yellow and is sweet and sticky, making it perfect for dessert applications. Jackfruit can either be used as a vegetarian meat replacement or in dessert depending on its ripeness.

How to Cut and Cook the Jackfruit?

  • Cut and remove the skin of the jackfruit(Here).
  • Add it into a bowl of water, turmeric, and salt mixture. 
  • Keep aside until the remaining jackfruit is cut.
  • Once it is ready to cook, drain the jackfruit and add it to a bowl. 
  • Add the jackfruit to the instant pot along with salt, turmeric, and green chilies.
  • Pressure cook for 4 minutes.
  • Perfectly cooked, tender, and crispy jackfruit is ready to use in the recipe.

In the recipe, I have used green jackfruit and not the canned one. But if you can not find whole green jackfruit then use that you get from the grocery store. And cook in the instant pot, just like I did.

Where to find Jackfruit?

You can find jackfruit in grocery stores like Trader Joe’s or any local Asian grocery store. You can find it on Amazon as well. Ensure that you are buying jackfruit in brine or in water and not in syrup. The sweet, syrupy kind won’t work in these savory recipes. 

How to Shred Jackfruit?

Once the jackfruit has boiled, drain it and rinse with cold water. Using a fork or a potato masher, begin to shred the jackfruit into silky strains. If using your hands, pick up the softened jackfruit and pull apart then place it back into the pan. 

Jackfruit is also known as-

In Marathi: Phanas(फणस)

English: Jackfruit, Jack-orange Wood

Sanskrit: Kankatphal(कंटकफल), Phanas(फणस)

Hindi: Katahar(कटहर), Kathal(कटहल)

Kannada: kujja(कुज्जा), Tage(तागे), Panas(पनस), Halsu(हलसु)

Gujrathi: Vanas(ફણસ)

Ingredients:

  • Green/Unripe Jackfruit 2 lbs, Chopped
  • Salt 2 Tsp
  • Turmeric 2 Tsp
  • Green Chilies 5-6
  • Water as needed

Instructions:

  • Cut the green jackfruit and remove the green skin and hard middle white part.
  • In a pot pour water, salt 1 tsp, turmeric 1 tsp, and jackfruit and stir well.
  • Cover and keep aside for 5-10 minutes or until it's ready to cook(It will help to avoid blackening of jackfruit).
  • When it’s ready to cook, drain the water from the jackfruit.
  • Transfer the jackfruit into the insert of the instant pot.
  • Now add salt 1 tsp, turmeric 1 tsp, green chilies, and pour water.
  • Give everything a quick stir and close the lid of the instant pot.
  • Place the vent in the sealing position.
  • Cook on Manual Mode(Hi) for 4 minutes.
  • Quick-release the pressure and once the pin drops down open the lid.
  • Drain the water and remove the jackfruit from the pot.
  • Using a fork, mash the jackfruit.
  • Here perfectly cooked, tender, and crispy jackfruit is ready to use in the recipe.
  • Do NOT discard the core or seeds, they are totally edible. Enjoy!!!

How to Freeze the cooked Jackfruit?

  • Place the cooked and cooled jackfruit in the freezer-safe bags, lay flat, and squeeze out as much air as possible. I do use my cromify vacuum sealer to seal the bags and freeze the food.
  • Place the bags flat into the freezer. 
  • They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How To Make Jackfruit/Vegan Pulled Pork Sandwich? Recipe Here.

Dietary Comment:

  • The calorie count is based on a 2000-calorie diet.
  • Per 100 g of jackfruit contains 106 calories,  25 g carbohydrates, 2 g dietary fiber, 0.9 g fats, and 2.3 g protein.
  • Portion size can always be increased or decreased depending on your health goals and activity level.
  • (Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is calculated using a nutrition facts calculator. It is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on products used.)

Health Benefits of Jackfruit:

  • Jackfruit is high in some vitamins and minerals, it's rich in vitamin C and high in B vitamins.
  • It has high antioxidant properties that may help prevent the development of several chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
  • It has a low glycemic index and provides some fiber, protein, and antioxidants, all of which may promote better blood sugar control.
  • It is antibacterial and antiviral which is a great support to the immune system.
  • It is low in calories .100 g of jackfruit only contains 94 calories.
  • It has a neutral flavor that pairs well with savory dishes.
  • The perfect option for meat in vegan and vegetarian diets.
  • Eating jackfruit can give your daily nutrition an iron boost and can help to prevent anemia.
  • Jackfruit helps in maintaining good eyesight as they contain Vitamin A.
  • Vitamin A also promotes healthy hair and prevents brittle hair.

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