
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.
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
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
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
Add 1 large diced onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often until softened.
- 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
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
Pour in 3/4 cup (180 mL) water to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits.
- 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
Secure the lid, set the Pressure Release to Sealing, and select Pressure Cook on high for 6 minutes.
- 9
Upon completion, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then switch to Venting to release any remaining steam.
- 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
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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