Malnad Special - Jackfruit Idli (Halsina Hannu Idli)

Located in the Sahayadri Hills, the Malnad region is one of the unsung culinary gems of Karnataka. The unique cuisine of Malnad is characterized by the use of fresh vegetables, rich aromatic spices, freshly ground masalas, and unusual local ingredients. Karnataka is home to many local delicacies. You'll see cultural and cuisine differences from town to town.

One of the unique and delicious dishes that most of the Malnad people prepare is Jackfruit Idli. Jackfruit trees are abundant in the Malnad region and are one of the most loved fruits out there. From the early stages, jackfruit is used to prepare many dishes, from curry to sambar and many more.

Coming to Jackfruit Idli, it's a sweet delicacy that you can eat as an evening snack. Or it can be consumed as a meal too. Jackfruit Idli with Desi Ghee is pure bliss!

Here's the list of ingredients needed to prepare an average size jackfruit idli,

• Ripe Jackfruit: Remove all the seeds and put the fruit pods in a container.

• Aromatic Spices: It's not complete without pepper and cardamom (elaichi). Take about 25g each.

• Coconut: The coconut makes it extra delicious. You'll need about 1 full coconut.

• Jaggery: The sweetness is given to this dish using jaggery. Add about 500g of jaggery (if you're a sweet tooth add more to make it extra sweet).

• Oil & Salt: 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and a pinch of salt are needed.

• Rice Flour: About 2.5 times the jackfruit pods are needed.

Now the steps to cook,

1. Take a ripened jackfruit, remove seeds and put fruit pods in a container.

2. Grind the cardamom, pepper, and fruit pods. Store this mixture in a container.

3. Add rice flour to this mixture and start the batter preparation.

4. To this mixture add coconut and jaggery. Mix well till jaggery dissolves completely.

5. Add salt and 2 tablespoons of oil and mix.

6. Cook in low flame for about 45mins in an idli utensil.

7. Let it cool a bit and it's ready to eat. Personally, I suggest you eat it with ghee.

Here's a short recipe video - Jackfruit idli recipe in 30 seconds...

Malnad is home to many unique and delicious dishes. Try out something different today!

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