Mysuru’s Jackfruit Festival Celebrates Karnataka’s Giant Fruit Obsession

The aroma of ripe halasu (jackfruit), the sight of towering golden pods, and stalls overflowing with chips, papads, jams, ice creams, and traditional delicacies — Mysuru’s annual Jackfruit Festival has once again turned the spotlight on one of Karnataka’s most beloved seasonal treasures.

In Karnataka’s culinary culture, jackfruit remains deeply rooted in both tradition and comfort. Here’s two popular recipes to be made with jackfruit.

Recipe: Jackfruit Payasam (Halasina Payasa) 🍈🥥

A rich and traditional South Indian dessert made with ripe jackfruit, jaggery, and coconut milk — perfect for festivals and family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups ripe jackfruit bulbs (chopped)
• 1 cup thick coconut milk
• 1 cup thin coconut milk
• ¾ cup jaggery (grated)
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 8–10 cashews
• 8–10 raisins
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• 2 tbsp roasted vermicelli or cooked moong dal (optional)

Method

1. Blend half the jackfruit into a smooth puree and keep the rest finely chopped.
2. Heat jaggery with a little water until dissolved. Strain impurities if needed.
3. In a pan, add the jackfruit puree, chopped jackfruit, and thin coconut milk. Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes.
4. Add jaggery syrup and stir well.
5. Mix in vermicelli or moong dal if using.
6. Lower the heat and add thick coconut milk. Do not boil after this stage.
7. Add cardamom powder.
8. In a small pan, heat ghee and fry cashews and raisins until golden. Pour over the payasam.

Serve warm or chilled. The natural sweetness and aroma of ripe jackfruit make this dessert wonderfully comforting and festive.

Recipe: Crispy Jackfruit Cutlets 🌿

A festival favorite, these savory jackfruit cutlets are easy to make and perfect as an evening snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups raw jackfruit (boiled and shredded)
• 2 potatoes (boiled and mashed)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Fresh coriander leaves
• Salt to taste
• Bread crumbs
• Oil for shallow frying

Method

1. Pressure cook the raw jackfruit until soft and shred it well.
2. In a pan, sauté onions, chilies, and ginger-garlic paste.
3. Add turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
4. Mix in the shredded jackfruit and mashed potatoes.
5. Add coriander leaves and shape the mixture into small patties.
6. Coat with bread crumbs.
7. Shallow fry until golden brown and crisp on both sides.

Serve hot with mint chutney or spicy ketchup.

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