Chakka Pazham Pori- Chakka Appam/ Ripe Jack Fruit Fritters

Today's recipe is a snack made with ripe jack fruit. It is a deep-fried jack fruit fritters gently laced with the flavor of cardamom. This snack is very similar to the ever-popular street food of Kerala - Pazham pori, made with ripe plantain. I make pazham pori all the time, yet this one with chakka or jack fruit is so unique in taste. It is extremely flavorful and absolutely delicious-a die for!

There is a beauty in the simplicity of traditional tea-time snacks. We often refer to them as naadan palaharam. Some recipes make you nostalgic and we keep coming back to it time and again. It brings back memories of some distant times. I don't even remember this existed until my mom reminded me of chakka pazham pori. I am so happy I tried this again and along with it came a flood of childhood memories :)

This is a sure winner if you have sudden guests at home. The flavor of ripe jack fruit dipped in sweet cardamon flavored batter and then deep-fried in coconut oil to crispy golden is something that cannot be described. You need to give it a try to get a unique experience.

Do you like Jack fruit? Jack fruit is the most versatile of all tropical fruits and is a common fruit in Kerala and South India. It is naturally sweet and has a distinctive fragrance when ripe and your whole house with be filled with a strong fruity aroma. It is starchy and rich in fiber. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamin c, magnesium, and potassium. It is good for your skin and boosts the immune system.

Use varikka chakka variety for this recipe. It is very sweet and firm flesh even when it is ripe and has a chewy texture. This variety has less fiber and is good to make snacks and desserts. The best place to find fresh jack fruit in the US is specialty markets like Whole Foods or Asian and Indian Stores.

Jack fruit is now in season and there is no better time to try this recipe Ripe sweet jack fruit is eaten as a snack by itself just like any other fruit. Jack fruit a large fruit and there is so much you can do with this fruit. Looking for some more ideas with ripe jack fruit, then check these recipes too.

Chakka puttu
Chakka Varattiyathu/ Jack fruit Jam
Chakka Pradhaman/pudding
Chakka Ada/ Steamed Jack fruit Cakes
Chakka Vattal or Jack fruit Chips.

Chakka Pazham Pori- Chakka Appam/ Ripe Jack Fruit Fritters Recipe

Cooking time- 10 minutes

Recipe type- snack

Cuisine- Kerala/ Indian

Ingredients
Jack fruit bulbs- 8
Maida-1 1/2 cup
Rice flour-2 tbs
Sugar- 2 tbs
salt- a pinch
Turmeric powder-a pinch
(or yellow food color-a few drops-optional)
Cardamon powder- 1/4tsp
Nutmeg powder- a pinch
Coconut oil for frying

Prepping the Jack fruit

Use varikka chakka variety for this recipe. Cut jack fruit into half and then into four quarters. The pale-yellow, plump bulbs, which are edible and joined at the core. Slice off the core and use your hand to pull it away from the white fibers, discard the fibers and the rind. Save the seeds for curries and stir fry. Cut each bulb into two pieces.

To make the batter in a large bowl add all-purpose flour/ maida, rice flour, salt and sugar, and mix well. Pour about a cup of water little by little and whisk until it forms a smooth lump-free batter. Add turmeric powder, cardamom powder, and nutmeg powder. Whisk till well blended. The batter should not too thick and not too thin. If it is too thick add a tablespoon or two of water. If thin add more flour. Let it rest for five minutes.

Heat oil in a heavy bottom pan. When the oil is hot dip slices of jack fruit into the batter and deep fry in hot oil till golden. Flip and fry both sides till it is evenly crisp and golden brown. Drain excess oil using a paper towel. Enjoy with tea.