Kadachakka Varutharacha Curry - Breadfruit Masala Curry

There is one fine kadachakka tree in the backyard of the tharavadu veedu in kerala. Playing around the trees and climbing it was a favorite thing to do as a kid. I am not sure if the tree still remains, but then the dishes made with the kadachakka were delicious. Varuthu aracha masala curry made with kadachakka tastes like a meat curry and goes so well with rice.

Ingredients

3 cups - Breadfruit/ kadachakka, chopped
1/2 tsp - Turmeric powder
1 medium - Tomato, chopped
2 - Green chili, slit in center
1'' piece - ginger, finely chopped
2 sprigs - Curry leaves
Salt to taste

To roast & grind

3/4 cup - Freshly grated coconut
2 big - shallots, chopped
4 big flake - Garlic
2 small - Cinnamon sticks
2 to 3 - Cloves
1 - Star anise
1/2 tsp - Perumjeera/Fennel seeds
2 tbsp - Coriander powder
3/4 tsp - Red chili powder
1/2 tsp - Turmeric powder

Seasoning

1/2 tsp - Mustard seeds
4 to 5 big - Shallots, chopped
2 sprigs - Curry leaves
Coconut oil

Method

1 ) Cook kadachakka pieces in a pressure cooker along with, turmeric powder, tomato, green chili, ginger, curry leaves and salt taste. Add 2 cups of water to cook the vegetable. Bring the pressure cooker to full pressure and cook for one whistle. Turn off the stove and open the cooker when the pressure is fully released.

2 ) Mean while in a pan roast - Coconut, cinnamon, clove, star anise, fennel seeds, shallots and garlic on low heat. Add little coconut oil when roasting. When the coconut turns golden in color, add coriander powder, turmeric power, red chili powder and lightly roast for few for seconds. Turn off the stove and cool.

3 ) Grind the roasted ingredients to a smooth paste with enough water in a blender/ grinder. Add this ground paste to the cooked kadachakka. Add enough water for the gravy. Bring to a boil, simmer. Adjust salt to taste.

4 ) To a pan add coconut oil, splutter the mustard seeds, then add shallots and curry leaves. Fry till the shallots are light brown in color. Pour this seasoning on top of the kadachakka curry.

Serve with rice. Makes a yummy meal with rice and pappad.