KADA CHAKKA KOFTA / BREAD FRUIT KOFTA DUM BIRIYANI

There are quite a few Indian regional cuisines that boast of vegetarian delicacies featuring kada chekka / bread fruit and one such culinary gem is kada chakka / bread fruit dum biriyani 

Bread fruit/ kada chekka, is an exotic vegetable in India and is considered as vegetarian meat because of its meat like texture and flavor. This is  used to prepare curries. This unusual yet exotic Rice dish is a vegetarian’s delight. The chunks of deep fried bread fruit koftas are well cooked under dum until for tender and literally melt in the mouth.utterly delicious meal for any special occasion and one that is irresistible to both kids and adults alike!

INGREDIENTS FOR KOFTAS

Peeled  kada chakka /breadfruits           - 250 grams (cut into small pieces)
Small onions    chopped                             - ½ cup
Red chillies                                                    - 3 nos
Turmeric powder                                        - ¼ tsp
 Ginger                                                            - 1 inch piece
Garlic                                                              - 4 nos
Coriander seeds                                           - ½ tsp
Cumin seeds                                                 - ½ tsp
Garam masala powder                              - 1 tsp
Gram flour                                                   - 2 tbsps
Rice flour                                                      - 1 tbsp
Salt                                                               -   to taste
Cooking oil                                                  - for deep frying

METHOD FOR MAKING KOFTAS

Boil the kada chekka / bread fruit in enough water adding small onions, garlic, red chillies, ginger , corianders seeds, cumin seeds,till soft.

Allow to cool down the cooked kada chekka and grind it to a smooth paste and add garam masala powder, gram flour, rice flour, salt and mix well.

Shape the above mixture into small oval or round kofta balls.

Heat enough oil and deep fry the koftas until golden brown .

Srain it in a colander.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE RICE

   Basmathi rice                      -  1 CUP
   Onion                                  -  3 nos thinly sliced
   Tomatoe puree                - 2 cups
   Ginger garlic paste          - 1 ½ tbsps
   Star anice                               - 1 no
   Bay leaves                           - 2 nos
  Black cardamom               - 2 nos
  Turmeric powder             - ¼ tsp
  Chilli powder                     - ½ tsp
  Coriander powder            - 1 tsp
  Garam masala powder    - 1 tsp
  Cooking oil                         - 2 tbsps

      METHOD

Wash and Soak the basmathi rice for 10 minutes
Heat oil in a  kadhai, add the bay leaves, star anice, cardamom, cinnamon and let  them pop.
Add sliced onion and fry until golden Keep aside half of the fried onions for garnishing.
Then add ginger garlic paste and fry for 1-2 mins on medium heat. Add turmeric, chilli pwd, coriander pwd, and fry for few seconds..
Then add tomato puree, little salt and ghee and add the soaked basmathi rice and cook for 5 minutes in a medium flame.
Arrange the koftas on the top of the cooked rice and again close the cooker and keep aside.
Heat a iron dosa tawa and keep the cooked rice cooker on the dosa tawa and cook the rice for 10 to 15 minutes in low flame.
Finally add the balance fried koftas, sprinkle garam masal pwd and turn off the heat.
Keep covered for 4-5 mins then serve hot.
Kada chakka dum biriyani is ready to serve.