Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Jeevkadgi Bajo/Phodi ( Fried Breadfruit)




Jeevkadgi also known as Breadfruit in English is one of my favorite vegetables.



Yes, it is not a fruit! It is a vegetable that grows in tropical countries. Growing up, we had a tree in our yard which bore plenty of these fruits. Yes, I am referring to it as a fruit now because that is the botanical way to relate a tree/ plant to its fruit.:) Anyways, we curry it, we fry it.. We cook it several different ways and I for one like all of them!! Jeevkadgi bajo is a very popular snack consumed with the evening tea. It is also served as an appetizer.


Servings: 2-4


Ingredients:


Jeevkadgi (Breadfruit): 1/4 medium sized breadfruit cut into 0.5 cms thick slices.( around 12-14 slices).
Chick-pea flour( besan): 1/2 cup
Red chilli powder: 1/4 tsp( you can use lesser depending on your spice level).
Hing( asofoetida): a pinch if using powder, 1/4 tsp if using solution.
Salt: to taste
Water: 1/4 cup ( enough to make a thick batter)
Oil: for frying( I use coconut oil)


Method:


In a small bowl, mix together the chickpea flour, red chilli powder, hing( asofoetida), salt and water and make a thick batter that can coat the breadfruit slices easily and does not drip off!




Heat oil in a kadai/ frying pan to 400 deg F. You could also use a deep fryer if you have one.

Dip each slice of breadfruit  in the above batter until it is completely coated and drop it gently into the hot oil.







 Drop just enough slices that fit the frying pan in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding results in poor quality of the end product. 



Fry until well done on both sides, about 2-3 minutes each side on medium flame.

Remove with a slotted spoon onto a plate lined with paper towels so as to soak the excess oil.

Serve hot with some chutney/ ketchup or as is! Goes well with a cup of chai, as an appetizer or as a side-dish for lunch/dinner.


Enjoy!

Cooking made easy:


Previously when I made jeevkadgi bajo, I would find that at times the vegetable inside is undercooked and hard. I have now figured out a way to solve this problem. Once the breadfruit has been sliced, spread it on a microwave-safe plate and cook it in the microwave for just 1 minute and then soak it in the batter and fry. You can rest assured you will never find hard breadfruit inside!

Tip for healthy living:


Dandruff can be treated by rubbing the scalp with lemon/ lime juice . Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it out. A few such washes will make your scalp and hair look much better.

Food for thought:


Eagles commonly fly alone. They are crows, daws, and starlings that flock together. John Webster

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