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Chakka Varatti Recipe is a sweet recipe made out of ripe Jackfruit and is also called as Jackfruit Jam. It feels really good when you take a break at least once every year. I think it’s much needed for everyone. You don’t just enjoy the break, infact you tend to become more productive after you … Read moreThe post Chakka Varatti Recipe – How to Make Jackfruit Jam appeared first on The Tastes of India.
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Chakka Varatti Recipe is a traditional jackfruit preserve from Kerala that’s sweet, rich, and full of natural flavors. Made with ripe jackfruit, jaggery, and a touch of ghee, this homemade jackfruit jam is a true celebration of the fruit’s goodness.
In this post, I’ll show you how to make Chakka Varatti at home with simple ingredients. It’s perfect to enjoy on its own or use as a base for many Kerala desserts!
About Chakka Varatti (Chakka Varattiyathu):
If you are looking for an easy and authentic Chakka Varatti Recipe, you’re in the right place!
Chakka Varatti, or Chakka Varattiyathu, is a sweet, thick jackfruit jam that comes straight from the heart of Kerala’s traditional kitchens.
When I traveled to Kerala, two things became unforgettable for me — the peaceful road trip and the jackfruit season.
Even though summer can be harsh, it’s also when nature blesses us with juicy, sweet fruits like jackfruit, , litchi mango etc.
Not only is jackfruit delicious, but it’s packed with health benefits too — it boosts immunity, aids digestion, strengthens bones, and gives natural energy.
Today, I’ll walk you through a simple, step-by-step method to make this traditional Kerala jackfruit preserve at home.
It takes some time and patience, but trust me, the rich, sweet flavor is absolutely worth it!
Chakka Varatti is a traditional jackfruit jam recipe made by slow-cooking ripe jackfruit pulp with jaggery and a little ghee.
The jackfruit is first cooked, mashed, and then stirred patiently on low heat until it transforms into a glossy, thick preserve.
In Kerala households, this sweet jam is made during the summer season and stored for months.
It’s not just eaten as a spread — it’s used to make many traditional sweets like Chakka Pradhaman (jackfruit payasam) and different types of snacks.
The method is simple, but you need to dedicate a little time. Pulling out the jackfruit bulbs, deseeding them, and slow-cooking the pulp is what gives Chakka Varattiyathu its authentic taste.
Serving Suggestions for Chakka Varatti:
Spread on dosas, chapatis, poori, paratha or bread
Use as a filling for sweet rolls or pastries
Make Chakka Payasam (jackfruit dessert) using this jam
Enjoy a spoonful with evening tea as a sweet treat
Storage Tips for Jackfruit Jam:
Always store in a clean, dry glass jar
Keep refrigerated for longer shelf life
Chakka Varatti stays good for 6 months or even more when properly stored
Pro Tips for Making Perfect Chakka Varatti:
Choose ripe, sweet jackfruit: Make sure the jackfruit you use is fully ripe and naturally sweet. This gives the best flavor and reduces the amount of jaggery needed.
Cook the jackfruit properly: Always cook jackfruit until it’s soft before blending. Raw pieces won’t give a smooth paste and will affect the final texture.
Use a heavy-bottomed pan: Cooking Chakka Varattiyathu takes time. A heavy-bottomed pan or non-stick kadai prevents burning and sticking as the mixture thickens.
Stir continuously on low heat: Never leave the jam unattended. Continuous slow stirring is key to getting that perfect thick, glossy texture without burning.
Adjust jaggery carefully: If your jackfruit is very sweet, reduce the amount of jaggery slightly. Taste the pulp before adding jaggery to balance the sweetness.
Add ghee little by little: Instead of adding all the ghee at once, add small spoonfuls during cooking. This helps in smooth cooking and gives a rich shine to your Chakka Varatti.
Cool completely before storing: Always let the Chakka Varatti cool down fully before transferring it to jars. This prevents moisture build-up and helps it stay fresh longer.
Store in small batches: If you’re making a large quantity, divide it into smaller jars. Open one at a time to maintain freshness and flavor.
Why You Should Try This Chakka Varatti Recipe:
Natural and preservative-free sweet spread
Rich in nutrients — jackfruit is high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber
Perfect base for Kerala desserts like Chakka Payasam
Homemade flavor that is far better than any store-bought version
Long shelf life when stored properly
If you love traditional Indian recipes, this is one you must try!
Looking for Some More Recipes Like this:
If you love making homemade spreads, dips, and jams, here are a few more recipes you might enjoy:
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Basic Ingredients Used to Make this Recipe:
Ripe Jackfruit Bulbs: Jackfruit is the main star of this recipe. Use fully ripe and sweet jackfruit to get the best flavor. The natural sweetness and aroma of the fruit make the Chakka Varatti rich and delicious.
Jaggery: Jaggery adds deep sweetness and gives the jam a rich golden-brown color. It also acts as a natural preservative. Unlike sugar, jaggery gives an earthy flavor that goes perfectly with jackfruit.
Water: A little water is used to melt and strain the jaggery. It helps remove impurities and ensures that the jaggery mixes smoothly with the jackfruit pulp.
Ghee: Ghee is added while cooking to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan. It gives the Chakka Varatti a beautiful glossy finish and a rich flavor.
Chakka Varatti Recipe | How to Make Traditional Jackfruit Jam at Home
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups Ripe Jackfruit (deseeded and chopped)
- 1-2 cups Powdered jaggery powdered jaggery gets dissolve easily with water
- 3 tbsp Ghee / clarified butter
- 3/4 cup Water
Instructions
- Dissolve the jaggery in warm water. Filter if necessary to remove any dirt or stones. Set aside.
- In a heavy bottom kadhai or pan cook the jackfruit in 3/4 cup water until soft.
- Mash it well with a wooden spoon.
- Add the jaggery water to it and cook on low heat, stirring constantly.
- When the mixture starts thickening and starts sticking add the ghee and keep stirring and cook until it reaches the jam consistency and the mixture starts to leave the sides.
- Remove from the heat and let it cool down.
- Once it gets cold, store in a air-tight jar and refrigirate.
- It tastes great with bread, roti or parathas.
- This recipe can also be used to make many delicious and irresistible dishes, like elai ada (pan poli), payasam, sweet idli etc and many more.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Question About this Recipe:
How long does homemade Chakka Varatti stay fresh?
If stored properly in a clean, dry glass jar and kept refrigerated, Chakka Varatti can stay fresh for up to 6 months or even longer. Always use a dry spoon to take it out to maintain its shelf life.
Can I use unripe jackfruit to make this jam?
No, for this recipe you need fully ripe, sweet jackfruit. Unripe jackfruit is not sweet and will not give the correct taste or texture for Chakka Varatti.
Is it necessary to melt and strain the jaggery?
Yes, it is recommended. Melting and straining the jaggery removes impurities like dust or stones and ensures a smooth, clean jam.
Can I skip adding ghee?
Ghee helps in giving a glossy texture and prevents the jam from sticking to the pan. You can use a very small amount if you prefer, but skipping it completely may affect the texture and richness.
Can I use this Jackfruit Jam for making desserts?
Absolutely! Chakka Varatti is often used to make traditional Kerala sweets like Chakka Pradhaman (jackfruit payasam), stuffed rotis, or even as a sweet spread over bread and chapatis.
Can I freeze Chakka Varatti for longer storage?
Yes, you can freeze small portions of Chakka Varatti if you want to store it for longer than 6 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.
Why is continuous stirring important while cooking?
Because Chakka Varatti is thick and sticky, it can burn easily at the bottom of the pan. Stirring continuously on low heat ensures it cooks evenly without burning.
My Recommended Product:
Once your jackfruit jam is ready and cooled, storing it properly makes all the difference. I personally like using glass storage jars because they keep the jam fresh for weeks and are easy to clean too.
If you’re looking for a good option, here’s I have listed a product (jar) I use in my kitchen.
It’s airtight, looks nice on the shelf, and works well for any kind of homemade jam or pickle.
You can even check out my PAGE on Amazon, where you will find my favorite kitchen tools, Appliances, Accessories, and more HERE.
Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission.
Remember that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases.
I am an independent blogger, and the reviews are based on my opinions. You make the decision, and whether or not you buy something is completely up to you.
- SECURE AIR-TIGHT SEAL: Comes with a rubber ring & clip to ensure freshness & preserve the quality of your ingredients
- VERSATILE USAGE: Ideal for storing both wet & dry ingredients, making it perfect for jams, preserves, sauces, spices, & more
- SPACIOUS CAPACITY: With a generous 1Ltr capacity, you can store plenty of your favorite ingredients without taking up too much space
- DURABLE MATERIAL: Made from high-quality glass that is resistant to heat & cold, ensuring long-lasting use
- EASY TO USE & CLEAN: The clip top mechanism allows for easy opening & closing, & the jar is dishwasher safe for convenient cleaning
- STYLISH DESIGN: The sleek design of this preserve jar will add a touch of elegance to your kitchen decor
You Might Also Want to Try:
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Kathal Biryani Recipe
Jack Fruit Seeds Stir Fry Recipe
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