Jackfruit is a popular fruit of the Indian Subcontinent with its origins in the Western ghats of the country and rain forests of Malaysia. It is also commonly available in Assam during the summers. And since it is so common, Assamese people make Kothalor Pitha or Jackfruit Rice Flour Fritters.
Jackfruit can be eaten in various ways. We can make curry of raw jackfruit, which is often considered as substitute for meat. You can eat ripe jackfruit with Chira (flattened rice), Muri (puffed rice) or Xandoh Guri (rice flour) as a Snack (jolpan). And do not throw away the seeds, because they are edible too.
Eating jackfruit is a healthy option because of its richness in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. Jackfruit can prevent constipation and ulcers. Due to high amount of Vitamin C, jackfruit may help protect the skin. Keeping all the goodness in mind, I am here with an instant snack recipe of jackfruit which requires simple ingredients and is very easy to make.
Ingredients for Kothalor Pitha
- Ripe jackfruit pulp – 1 cup
- Rice flour – 2 cups
- Sugar – 2 tablespoons
- Grated coconut – 2 tablespoons (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- Cooking oil – For deep frying
- Water for making the batter.
Steps for making Kothalor Pitha
- Mix the sugar, salt and grated coconuts with the rice flour in a bowl.
- Add the jackfruit pulp to make the bowl and mix well. Add a bit of water if necessary.
- Mix all the ingredients with hand to make a thick batter. A fork or spoon can also be used, but its easier to judge the consistency with the hand.
- The consistency of the batter should neither be too runny nor too viscous. You can use some water or some more rice flour depending on the batter.
- Then heat oil in a thick base Kadhai or frying pan to deep fry the Kothal Pitha
- Carefully drop small portions of the batter into the pan with the help of a spoon to give them the shape of your choice.
- Fry them in low to medium flame till they are golden brown.
- Set them on a cotton cloth or tissue to drain the excess oil.
- You can garnish them with fresh cream or icing sugar.
Delicious Kothalor Pitha are ready to be served to your family and friends. You can serve the Pithas with any beverage, but they go very well with a cup of Assam Tea.
You can store Kothalor Pitha for 1 to 2 days in room temperature. Refrigerate for longer self life.
Subhalaxmi Chakravarty contributed this traditional recipe to Discover East . She is a Guwahati based lawyer and has a knack for traveling.
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