Chakka Varattiyathu, or jackfruit preserve, is a traditional Kerala delicacy made during the jackfruit season to prolong its shelf life. Chakka Varattiyathu is enjoyed on its own, spread on toast, or used as a base for classic dishes like Chakka Pradhaman (Jackfruit payasam). This homemade jackfruit jam is a nostalgic treat passed down through generations.
Chakka Varattiyathu
In Malayalam, “chakka” refers to jackfruit, while “varattiyathu” means cooking it until it reaches a dry consistency. This jackfruit preserve is deeply fragrant, sweet, packed with tropical taste, and cherished in every Malayali household. It is made by slow-cooking ripe jackfruit with jaggery and ghee until it transforms into a thick, glossy jam.
How to make chakka varattiyathu
Ingredients used
For detailed ingredients, check the recipe card.
Method
Cut the jackfruit and remove the core. The fibrous threads that surround the arils should also be removed, as they are not edible. Only the yellow edible arils are used. Remove the seeds inside the arils.
Cut the jackfruit roughly and puree it in a blender. Make a jaggery or brown sugar syrup and strain to remove any impurities. Check out sweet aval on how to make jaggery syrup. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the jaggery syrup. When it starts bubbling, add the jackfruit puree. Whisk it thoroughly so the puree mixes with the syrup. Let it cook in a slow flame. You need to stir it frequently so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Add ghee once the jackfruit preserve comes into one solid (it takes 15 to 20 minutes for the given measurements). Let it cook for a few minutes more. Switch off the flame. Once it cools down, store it in an air-tight container. Use only a fresh and dry spoon.
How to make jaggery syrup?
Take 1/2 cup powdered jaggery in a pan with 1/4 cup of water. Melt it and strain. You don’t have to thicken the syrup.
How long can the chakka varattiyathu be stored?
When stored in an airtight container and used only with clean and dry spoons, this chakka varattiyathu can last for a year. In the past, people stored it at room temperature for at least six months. But now we have the advantage of storing it in the refrigerator, which extends its shelf life.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes. You need to use plant-based ghee or plant-based clarified butter instead of ghee.
Ways to use chakka varattiyathu
You can use it in various dishes like chakka ada (steamed jackfruit dumplings), chakka pradhaman, and chakka kozhukatta.
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Chakka Varattiyathu recipe
Jackfruit Preserve/ Chakka varattiyathu
Equipment
- Heavy bottomed pan
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cup Jack fruit puree
- 1/2 Cup Jaggery syrup
- 2 Tbsp Ghee
Instructions
How to make jaggery syrup
- Take 1/2 cup powdered jaggery in a pan with 1/4 cup of water. Melt it and strain. The syrup doesn't need to be thickened.
Making chakka varattiyathu
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the jaggery syrup. When it starts bubbling, add the jackfruit puree.
- Whisk it thoroughly so the puree mixes with the syrup. Let it cook in a slow flame.
- You need to stir it frequently so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Once the jackfruit preserve comes into one solid (it takes 15 to 20 minutes for the given measurements), add ghee. Let it cook for a few minutes more. Switch off the flame.
- Once it cools down, store it in an air-tight container. Use only a fresh and dry spoon.
Notes
- Adjust the powdered jaggery as per the sweetness of the jackfruit.
- Make sure to use only a clean and dry spoon.
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This jackfruit preserve is amazing! Super tasty recipe.
Thank you
I have never tried jackfruit before, but this recipe did not disappoint! So easy to make and delicious!
Thank you
This dessert is amazing! The jackfruit is highlighted so nicely.
Thank you
Chakka varatti looks delicious and easy to make it so good, and perfect treat,
Thank you
I’ve often wondered what to do with jackfruit and this preserves recipe was a winner! It was relatively easy to make too!
Thank you
This worked perfect for us, my kiddos love jackfruit, and it is delicious! Thanks!
You are welcome. I’m glad you loved it.