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The Best Jackfruit Curry

Vegan Masala Recipe

The Best Jackfruit Curry

This jackfruit curry combines tender jackfruit and sweet potatoes in a rich coconut milk sauce, enhanced by a blend of classic Indian spices. It offers a satisfying texture and depth of flavor, making it a wonderful addition to any meal.

65 minPrep: 25 minCook: 40 minIndian-InspiredVegan
gluten-freeinstant potnut-freepaleosoy-free

From the kitchen

What to expect

Jackfruit in this recipe lends a lovely meaty texture, while the sweet potatoes add a hint of sweetness, balancing the spices beautifully.

Serving idea

Best served simply

Serve this curry over fragrant basmati rice or alongside warm flatbreads for a satisfying meal.

Cook the recipe

Method

  1. 1

    Drain the jackfruit and rinse well, removing excess brine. Shred the jackfruit with your hands until it resembles pulled pork, discarding any tough cores.

  2. 2

    In the Instant Pot, select the Sauté setting. Heat 1 tablespoon coconut oil, and when hot, add 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds and 1 1/2 teaspoons black mustard seeds. Fry for 45 seconds, tossing frequently until the seeds begin to pop and release their aroma.

  3. 3

    Add 1 large diced onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often until softened.

  4. 4

    Stir in 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 inches of minced ginger, and 1 diced serrano pepper, cooking for an additional 90 seconds while stirring to prevent burning.

  5. 5

    Add the ground spices (2 teaspoons garam masala, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon coriander, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder), along with 6 to 8 dried curry leaves and 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring to blend.

  6. 6

    Pour in 3/4 cup (180 mL) water to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits.

  7. 7

    Add 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk, then stir in the shredded jackfruit and chopped sweet potatoes until well mixed. Cancel the Sauté mode.

  8. 8

    Secure the lid, set the Pressure Release to Sealing, and select Pressure Cook on high for 6 minutes.

  9. 9

    Upon completion, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then switch to Venting to release any remaining steam.

  10. 10

    Open the pot, add 1 (8-ounce) can of tomato sauce and the chopped spinach, stirring to combine. Set to Sauté, bring to a simmer, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice and the chopped cilantro, adjusting seasoning as needed.

  11. 11

    For stovetop cooking, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Follow the same steps as above, ensuring the sweet potatoes are very tender and the mixture has thickened, stirring occasionally.

Gather everything first

Ingredients

  • 2 (20-ounce // 565g) cans of jackfruit (in water or brine)*
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil ((or oil of choice))
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons black mustard seeds ((can substitute brown mustard seeds))
  • 1 large yellow onion, (diced)
  • 6 cloves garlic, (minced)
  • 2-inch piece fresh ginger, (minced or grated)
  • 1 serrano pepper, (diced**)
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon sweet or hot paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder***
  • 6 to 8 dried curry leaves ((or 3 to 4 fresh curry leaves))
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup (180 mL) water ((use 1 cup (240 mL) water for stovetop version))
  • 1 (13.5-ounce / 400 mL) can full-fat coconut milk
  • 3 medium sweet potatoes (about 6-8 ounces each), (peeled and chopped)
  • 1 (8-ounce / 225g) can tomato sauce
  • 4-5 cups (60-75g) baby kale or baby spinach, (roughly chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice or lime juice
  • 1/2 cup (8g) fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, (chopped)
  • For serving: White basmati rice or flatbread

A few useful notes

Notes

  • This curry will thicken as it cools and can be adjusted in texture by mashing some of the contents with a potato masher or blending a portion for creaminess.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water if needed.
  • For a richer flavor, feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference, and consider serving layered with rice or tucked into flatbreads.

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