Sri Lankan Polos Curry (Young Jackfruit Curry) Recipe

Polos curry is a popular Sri Lankan dish made from tender young jackfruit, which has a meat-like texture when cooked. It’s slow-cooked with spices, creating a rich and flavorful curry.

Ingredients:

• 500g young jackfruit ( fresh)
• 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or coconut oil)
• 1 onion, finely sliced
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2 green chilies, sliced
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp fenugreek seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp roasted curry powder (available at Sri Lankan stores or homemade)
• 1 tbsp tamarind paste or a small ball of tamarind soaked in water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4-5 curry leaves
• 400ml coconut milk(homemade)
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Jackfruit:
   • If using fresh young jackfruit, peel and cut the jackfruit into bite-sized cubes. Parboil them in salted water for about 15-20 minutes, or until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
   • If using canned young jackfruit, rinse and drain the jackfruit well.
2. Tempering Spices:
   • Heat oil in a large pot or pan over medium heat.
   • Add mustard seeds and let them pop. Then, add cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, and the cinnamon stick. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
3. Sauté Vegetables:
   • Add the sliced onions, green chilies, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the onions turn golden brown and softened.
4. Add Spices:
   • Stir in the turmeric powder, curry powder, chili powder, and roasted curry powder. Sauté the spices for a minute until fragrant.
5. Cook the Jackfruit:
   • Add the parboiled or canned young jackfruit pieces to the pan. Stir well, ensuring the jackfruit is coated with the spices and onions.
   • Add tamarind paste and a little water, then cover and cook on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
6. Add Coconut Milk:
   • Pour in the coconut milk and season with salt. Stir well and let the curry simmer for another 15-20 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until the jackfruit is tender and the curry has thickened. Add more water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the Polos Curry with steamed rice, string hoppers, or roti.

Tips:

• Roasted curry powder can be made by dry-roasting spices like cumin, coriander, fennel seeds, cloves, and curry leaves until dark and fragrant, then grinding them into a powder.
• This curry can be made a day in advance for a deeper flavor.