Breadfruit Recipe- Authentic Neer Phanas Stir-Fry with Coconut

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Breadfruit Recipe – Authentic Neer Phanas Stir-Fry with Coconut

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s close to my heart – a traditional Neer Phanas (Breadfruit) stir-fry with coconut. This dish instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with the aroma of spices and fresh coconut. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s a staple in many Indian households, especially in coastal regions. Trust me, if you’ve never tried breadfruit, you’re in for a treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Neer Phanas stir-fry isn’t just delicious; it’s also surprisingly easy to make. It’s a fantastic way to explore a unique vegetable and add some variety to your meals. The combination of tender breadfruit, fragrant spices, and the sweetness of coconut is simply divine. Plus, it’s a relatively quick dish – perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful breadfruit stir-fry:

• half of a medium Raw Neer Phanas (Breadfruit) fruit
• 3-4 Green Chilies (slit lengthwise) pieces
• 7-8 Curry Leaves leaves
• 2 tablespoon Fresh Scraped Coconut
• 1 tablespoon Chopped Coriander
• ?? teaspoon Lemon Juice
• ?? teaspoon Dry Mango Powder (Aamchur)
• ?? teaspoon Sugar
• to taste Salt
• 1 tablespoon Oil
• ?? teaspoon Mustard Seeds
• ?? teaspoon Cumin Seeds
• ?? teaspoon Turmeric Powder
• 2 pinch Asafoetida (Hing)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to ensure your stir-fry turns out perfectly:

Raw Breadfruit (Neer Phanas) – A Detailed Look
Breadfruit is a starchy fruit that, when cooked, has a potato-like texture. It’s crucial to use raw breadfruit for this recipe, not the ripe, sweet variety. Look for firm, green breadfruit with a slightly bumpy skin.

Coconut – Fresh vs. Dried
Freshly scraped coconut is best for that authentic flavor. However, if you can’t find fresh, unsweetened desiccated coconut works well too. Use about 2 tablespoons of desiccated coconut for every tablespoon of fresh.

Spices – The Importance of Hing & Aamchur
Asafoetida (Hing) adds a unique savory depth. Don’t skip it! Aamchur (dry mango powder) provides a lovely tanginess. If you don’t have it, lemon juice can be used as a substitute (more on that later!).

Regional Variations in Breadfruit Cooking

Breadfruit is incredibly versatile and cooked in many different ways across India. In some regions, it’s used in curries, while others prefer it roasted or fried. This particular stir-fry style is popular in coastal Karnataka and Maharashtra, where coconut and spices are generously used. My aunt in Goa makes a similar version, but adds a touch of chili paste for extra heat!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, wash the breadfruit and carefully cut it into four halves. Remove the skin and that slightly spongy core – it can be a bit bitter.
2. Now, slice the breadfruit into thin pieces, about 2-3 mm thick. This is important for even cooking. Place the slices in a bowl of water for about an hour. This prevents them from discoloring and helps them stay crisp-tender.
3. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter – that’s when you know they’re ready! Then, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter too.
4. Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing), the slit green chilies, and the curry leaves. Sauté briefly, just until fragrant.
5. Drain the soaked breadfruit slices and add them to the pan. Sprinkle in the turmeric powder and mix well to coat.
6. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, then cover the pan and cook on medium heat until the breadfruit is tender, stirring occasionally. If it starts to stick, sprinkle in a little water.
7. Finally, add the sugar, salt, lemon juice (or aamchur), coconut, and coriander. Mix everything well and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Expert Tips

Here are a few tips to help you nail this recipe:

Achieving the Right Breadfruit Texture
The key is to not overcook the breadfruit. You want it to be tender but still hold its shape.

Preventing Breadfruit from Discoloring
Soaking the sliced breadfruit in water is crucial to prevent it from turning brown.

Balancing the Sweet, Sour, and Spicy Flavors
Taste as you go and adjust the sugar, lemon juice/aamchur, and green chilies to your liking.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation
This recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure your asafoetida doesn’t contain any hidden ingredients.

Gluten-Free Adaptation
This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild to Spicy)
Reduce or omit the green chilies for a milder flavor. Add a pinch of chili powder for extra heat.

Festival Adaptations (If Applicable – e.g., Onam, Ganesh Chaturthi)
While not traditionally a festival dish, this stir-fry makes a lovely side dish for a festive meal, especially during Onam in Kerala.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Neer Phanas stir-fry hot with puri, roti, or even a simple bowl of curd rice. It’s also delicious as part of a larger Indian thali. My family loves it with a side of dal and a vegetable curry.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.

FAQs

What is Breadfruit and where does it grow?
Breadfruit is a starchy fruit native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. It’s now grown in many tropical regions, including parts of India.

How do I know when Breadfruit is ripe for this recipe?
For this recipe, you need unripe breadfruit. It should be firm, green, and slightly bumpy. Avoid breadfruit that is soft or has brown spots.

Can I use frozen breadfruit for this stir-fry?
While fresh is best, you can use frozen breadfruit. Thaw it completely and pat it dry before using. The texture might be slightly different.

What can I substitute for Aamchur (Dry Mango Powder)?
Lemon juice is the best substitute for aamchur. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

How can I adjust the sourness in this dish?
Add more or less lemon juice/aamchur to achieve your desired level of sourness.

Is Breadfruit a healthy vegetable?
Yes! Breadfruit is a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamin C. It’s a nutritious and filling addition to your diet.