Tender pieces of jackfruit are browned and gently braised in a tangy, spiced yoghurt gravy. The dish features a meaty texture balanced by earthy cumin, fragrant garam masala, and tart amchoor.
Ground spices for the paste
8 gMixed with water and fried into the oil (step 3)
Wearing gloves, peel 500 g jackfruit and peel its seeds, then cut the flesh into 5 cm (2-inch) chunks.
Warm 250 g vegetable oil or ghee in a heavy pan over medium heat. Add the jackfruit flesh, keeping the seeds aside, and fry for roughly 10 minutes until deeply golden, then transfer to a plate.
Add the asafoetida from the tempering spices to the remaining hot oil and stir for 30 seconds, then tip in the cumin seed and cook for about 1 minute until crackling. Stir in the ground spices for the paste and salt to taste, cooking steadily for 2 to 3 minutes.
Return the browned jackfruit pieces and the peeled seeds to the pan, pour in 250 ml of water, and drop the heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for approximately 30 minutes until the jackfruit turns fork-tender.
Stir in 254 g plain yogurt, whisked, along with the finishing spices, and continue cooking over low heat for an additional 15 minutes.
Use 50% of the weight and stir in near the end of cooking. Adds warmth and depth since it contains ground coriander, but introduces stronger spices like clove and cinnamon.
Steep a tiny pinch (0.1 g per 2 g turmeric) in 2 tbsp warm water; use to match the rich golden hue. Contributes an aristocratic, honeyed floral flavour rather than earthy bitterness.
Use 50% of the weight mixed with equal parts ground coriander and a pinch of ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground green cardamom. Sprinkle near the end for a warming finish.