Vegan Jackfruit Masala – A Beginner‑Friendly, Flavor‑Packed Curry
If you’re looking to add a hearty, plant‑based dish to your culinary repertoire, Vegan Jackfruit Masala is the perfect starting point. This recipe, brought to you by Chef Rohit Ghai, blends aromatic spices with tender jackfruit to create a rich, satisfying curry that can be served as a main course or a flavorful side in a larger spread. Whether you’re new to cooking or looking for a quick, wholesome meal, this dish will delight your taste buds and expand your pantry’s versatility.
Meal Profile
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Vegan Jackfruit Masala |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Portion | Serves 4‑6 as part of a spread |
| Hands‑on Time | 40 minutes |
| Description | Rustle up a rich and filling vegan curry with our jackfruit masala recipe. Chef Rohit Ghai shares his aromatic masala recipe for four. |
This dish is a celebration of textures and flavors. The jackfruit offers a meaty, fibrous bite that absorbs the spices like a sponge, while the tomato‑based gravy brings depth and warmth. The result is a comforting, vegan-friendly dish that pairs wonderfully with basmati rice, naan, or a fresh cucumber raita.
Ingredient Highlight
Below is a quick glance at what you’ll need. All ingredients are listed in the order they’re used, so you can prep efficiently and keep your kitchen organized.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 500 g unripe jackfruit | (See Know How for sourcing) | Use canned or fresh. |
| 2 tbsp rapeseed oil | A neutral‑flavored oil that heats well. | |
| 250 g onions, chopped | Medium‑size onions, diced. | |
| 1 tbsp ginger‑garlic paste | (See Easy Swaps) | Freshly made or store‑bought. |
| ¼ tsp ground turmeric | Adds color and earthy warmth. | |
| 1 tsp red chilli powder | Adjust to taste. | |
| ½ tsp Kashmiri chilli powder | (or mild chilli powder/paprika) | Provides a gentle heat and bright color. |
| 1 tsp amchur (dried mango powder) | Gives a subtle tang. | |
| 1 tbsp ground coriander | Adds citrusy depth. | |
| 150 g (2‑3) tomatoes, chopped | Fresh or canned. | |
| 1 green chilli, deseeded and chopped | Optional for extra heat. | |
| 1 tbsp chopped fresh ginger | Fresh ginger for a bright note. | |
| 1 tsp garam masala | Final warming spice. | |
| Handful coriander leaves | Fresh coriander for garnish. |
Why these ingredients?
- Jackfruit is a fantastic meat substitute, offering a chewy texture that soaks up flavors.
- Turmeric, chilli powders, and amchur create a layered spice profile that’s both vibrant and comforting.
- Fresh ginger and garlic build a fragrant base, while the tomatoes provide acidity and body.
- Garam masala at the end lifts the dish with a fragrant, warm finish.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Follow these numbered steps carefully, and you’ll have a fragrant, delicious vegan jackfruit masala ready to serve. The instructions are adapted directly from Chef Rohit Ghai’s method, ensuring authenticity and flavor.
- Prepare the Jackfruit
- If you’re using canned jackfruit, rinse it under cold running water and drain it in a colander.
- For fresh jackfruit, start by greasing your fingers with rapeseed or mustard oil (the oil keeps the fibrous flesh from sticking). Place a bowl of oil beside you while cutting; you’ll need it to smear your palms occasionally.
- Use a sharp knife to peel off the skin and remove the thick stem in the center. Then cut the flesh into small bite‑sized pieces—no need to wash the fresh jackfruit after cutting.
- Shallow‑Fry the Jackfruit
- Heat the rapeseed oil in a kadai or frying pan over medium heat.
- Once the oil begins to smoke, add the jackfruit in small batches. Fry until lightly browned.
- Remove the browned jackfruit and set it aside in a colander. This step locks in flavor and prevents the jackfruit from becoming mushy.
- Build the Masala Base
- In the same pan, add the chopped onions. Fry until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the ginger‑garlic paste and cook for 4‑5 minutes until the raw scent fades.
- Add the ground turmeric, red chilli powder, Kashmiri/mild chilli powder (or paprika), dried mango powder, ground coriander, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
- Toss in the chopped tomatoes, green chilli, and fresh ginger. Cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture, which usually takes 5‑10 minutes over low heat. The tomatoes break down into a rich, thick sauce.
- Combine and Simmer
- Return the browned jackfruit to the pan. Stir to coat the pieces evenly with the spice mix.
- Cover with a lid and let the curry simmer over low heat for 3‑4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The jackfruit will absorb the flavors, and the gravy should thicken to a dry consistency.
- Sprinkle garam masala over the top and scatter fresh coriander leaves just before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Classic Pairings
- Basmati Rice – The fragrant, fluffy rice absorbs the curry’s juices perfectly.
- Naan or Roti – Warm flatbreads are ideal for scooping up the sauce.
- Cucumber Raita – A cool yogurt‑based side that balances the heat.
- Mixed Vegetable Stir‑Fry – Add a crunchy, colorful element to your meal.
Variations to Try
| Variation | How to Adapt |
|---|---|
| Add Coconut Milk | Stir in 1 cup of light coconut milk after step 3. It creates a creamy, tropical twist. |
| Use Brown Rice | For a healthier option, serve the masala over cooked brown rice instead of basmati. |
| Swap Jackfruit for Paneer | Replace jackfruit with cubes of paneer for a non‑vegan version. |
| Spice Up | Add a handful of chopped fresh red chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper during step 3. |
| Herb‑Rich | Toss in chopped mint or basil at the end for a fresh, aromatic finish. |
Tips for Perfect Texture
- Dry Jackfruit – If using fresh jackfruit, pat the pieces dry with a paper towel before frying to avoid excess moisture.
- Even Sizing – Cut the jackfruit into uniform pieces so they cook evenly and absorb spices uniformly.
- Low Heat Simmer – Keep the heat low during the final simmer to prevent the sauce from burning or becoming too watery.
Conclusion
Vegan Jackfruit Masala is a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. With a hands‑on time of just 40 minutes and an easy‑to‑follow method, this curry is perfect for beginners looking to explore flavorful, plant‑based cooking.
The key to success lies in the preparation of the jackfruit and the careful layering of spices. By following Chef Rohit Ghai’s steps, you’ll achieve a curry that’s aromatic, richly spiced, and satisfying in every bite. Whether you serve it as a main dish or as part of a larger spread, this vegan jackfruit masala will impress friends and family alike.
Give it a try, experiment with the suggested variations, and enjoy the culinary adventure that unfolds from a humble piece of jackfruit turned into a delicious, aromatic feast. Happy cooking!
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