Kerala is well known for its fish consumption hence the preparation methods for fish dishes also is plenty. One can see variety of preparation methods south to north and east to west, which differ by ingredients and cooking styles. Chakkakkuru (jack fruit seed) Chemmen preparation is a very traditional fish curry preparation, for cooking dried shrimp in thick gravy style.

Ingredients

1. Dried shrimp :2 Cups
2. Green mango : 1 (Medium)
3. Drumstick : 6 Piece
4. Jack fruit seeds : 20
5. Green chilly : 2
6. Kudampuli : 2 pieces
7. Salt for taste

For grinding

1. Grated coconut : 1 Cup
2. Chilly powder : 2 Tbl- Sp (Adjust)
3. Coriander powder : 1.5 T- Sp
4. Turmeric powder : ¼ T-Sp

For seasoning

1. Coconut oil : 2 T- Sp
2. Mustard seeds : ½ T- Sp
3. Fenugreek seed(uluva) : a pinch
4. Dried red chilli : 3
5. Curry leaves

Method

• Dry roast the shrimp for about 5 minutes, allow it cool then remove the head of the shrimp and wash it well.
• Grind masala ingredients mentioned for grinding into a smooth paste.
• Cut the mangoes, green chilli, jack fruit seeds and drumstick.
• In a pan -preferably earthen pot -add the jackfruit seeds, green chilli and drumstick along with 1 cup of water. Close the lid and cook it .
• Once it is half cooked add the mangoes along with shrimp and salt. Close the lid and cook it about 5 minutes.
• Then add the ground coconut paste with kudampuli and 2 cup of water.
• Let it cook in medium flame for another 6-7 minutes or its cooked.
• Heat oil in a pan and splutter the mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds. Then fry the dried red chilli and curry leaves. Add this to the curry and mix well.

Tips:-

1. Adjust the kudampuli, if your mango is sour enough you may avoid the kudampuli.
2. Adjust the thickness of the curry, it’s a medium thick curry. Here I used 3 cups of water.