Raw/Tender Jack Dry Curry

Tender Jack/ಹಲಸಿನ ಕಾಯಿ is one of the seasonal vegetable. I have prepared dry curry using raw/tender jack. It goes well with almost all the main dishes like plain rice, chapatis or rotis.

Using tender jack in curries and making even papads once it is fully grown (just before turning to fruit), is a practice in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Malanadu ares. Tender jack is loaded with many healthy properties.
I have used this tender jack in dry curry and is one of the traditional dish from Udupi.
During this Jack season most of the people do prepare varieties of dishes with this tender jack.
I prepared this curry with mustard seeds, red chilly, coconut and tamarind.
Let us see some benefits of using Tender Jack in our Menu.
Raw/tender jack is full of fiber and low in sugar.It is very high in insoluble fiber. It helps to reduce the cholesterol and good for diabetes.
You need to cut the outer layer of raw jack and cut into two pieces. Rub oil to your hands and the knife you use and then remove the oozing gum from the middle part of the vegetable. Cut them into small pieces remove the hard inner part and put it in a big bowl of water. Soaking them in water helps the jack pieces turn black.

Let us see the recipe now :

Things Needed : 

To Cook :
Raw jack pieces : 1 Big bowl
To dry grind : 
Mustard seeds : 1 Teaspoon
Coconut : 2 to 3 Tablespoons
Tamarind : 1 small marble size
Chilly Powder : 1 Teaspoon
To Add :
Ground coconut mixture
Mustard seasoning with coconut oil
Jaggery : 1 Tablespoon
Salt : As required

Method :

1. Remove the outer layer, cut raw jack into two pieces. Clean up the inner oozing gum with a help of paper. (Normally news paper is used)

2. Remove the inner hard part and cut them into small pieces. Put the pieces in a big bowl of water.
3. Wash them nicely and cook with little water in a pressure cooker for 2 to 3 minutes.  ( It should not be over cooked).

4. Let it cool. Remove the cooked pieces from the cooker and put it in a bowl. Make them as small pieces by using your fingers. (It turns as separated rakes). Keep it aside.

5. Grate coconut and dry grind with 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds, chilly powder and tamarind.
6. Dry grind the mixture and remove it from the mixi jar.

7. Keep a pan on the fire and heat. Put 1 tablespoon of oil and add half teaspoon of mustard seeds. 1/2 teaspoon of urid dal.
8. Let mustard seeds splutter. Add curry leaves and slightly smashed raw jack pieces.
9. Add salt, turmeric powder and jaggery. Mix all the ingredients nicely.

10. Add ground coconut, mustard seeds mixture and mix it nicely.
11. Let it cook on low flame and let all the moister disappear.

12. Shift " Raw /Tender Jack Dry Curry " to a serving bowl and serve.

Note : 

Do not over cook raw jack pieces. It does not taste good. Just 2 whistles are perfect. Adding any other masala is optional. Taste differ. I have used coconut oil. Use of any other oil is optional. Use of jaggery is optional.
Time 30 Minutes 
Serves : 4 to 5.