Chakkakuru-Cheera Thoran | Jackfruit Seed-Spinach Stir Fry

Cheera thoran (Spinach stir fry) is a healthy iron,vitamins and minerals packed stir fry.Its a simple side dish that can be served with steamed rice.Though I make this stir fry frequently but never tried adding jackfruit seeds to this until recently.The jackfruit seeds adds a nice crunch in between to the mushy thoran(stir fry).We bought a piece of fresh sweet jackfruit from store.But as a malayali,I couldn't resist the smell and the stares of the jackfruit,when I finally bought the portion and H was apprehensive about the taste and so wasn't favoring much.But to my surprise,the portion was very sweet and juicy and all had it.I and H decided to buy it again but never did I find again as the season is done.You can try this healthy stir fry with any greens.Do give this a try if you like it !!

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Preparation time~30 minutes(if using fresh jackfruit seeds)
Cooking time~ 20 minutes
Serves~4
Ingredients
jackfruit seeds/ chakkakuru 10-15(fresh or frozen)
spinach/cheera  a big bunch
garlic 2-3 pods crushed/sliced
onion 1 finely chopped small
chilly powder 1/2 tsp
turmeric powder 1/4 tsp +1/8 tsp
salt to taste
grated coconut 1/3 cup
oil  1 tbsp(preferably coconut)
mustard seeds 1/2 tsp
red dry chillies 1 or 2 broken

Method

• Wash the leaves thoroughly to remove any mud/dirt.Then pluck each leaf or go through each one to check any worm infestation or mashed leaves.Remove if any.Hold it as a bunch then,chop them.Leave in a plate.
• If you are using frozen chakkakuru(jack fruit seeds) then omit this step.You can just thaw and steam cook for 3-4 minutes and use.If using fresh ones,then remove the white thick skin.Inside you can see the brown skin of the seeds.Drop and soak them in water for half an hour.Scrape the seed to remove the brown coat as much possible.Leave any left overs and cut in quarters.Let it remain soaked till use.In a pot,add the jackfruit seeds(chakkakuru),turmeric powder(1/8tsp) and salt with 1/2 cup water.Let this come to a boil and get cooked.It may take around 10-12 minutes on medium flame(the cooking time may vary as per the dried jackfruit seeds).Drain water if any and keep ready.
• In a pan,heat oil and splutter mustard seeds.Fry the red dry chillies.Add the crushed garlic cloves,saute until raw smell disappears.Add in the finely chopped onion.Saute until translucent.Now,add the turmeric powder and chilly powder on low flame.Add in the chopped spinach leaves.Saute until it gets cooked(don't cover else the green color is lost).Add salt only when the leaves have wilted and reduced.Add in the grated coconut along with cooked jackfruit seeds.Give a quick toss and simmer for another 2 minutes.Dry out any moisture left and the stir fry is ready to be served with rice.

NOTES
* You can use any other greens other than spinach too to make this stir fry.
* You can use fresh or frozen jackfruit seeds.