Kujje Payasa (Jackfruit Dessert)

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) can jackfruit

• 1 (14 ounce) can light coconut milk
• 8 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground cardamom

Directions

1. 1

   In a medium saucepan, heat the coconut milk.

2. 2

   The jackfruit I buy comes in 8oz DRAINED weight, and 20oz net weight. Drain, rinse and dice the jackfruit if using canned.

3. 3

   Now add the diced jackfruit and sugar to the coconut milk.

4. 4

   Cook on medium low flame, stirring often until jackfruit is tender (about 40 minutes).

5. 5

   In the last five minutes of cooking, stir in the cardamom.

6. 6

   Serve either warm or chilled.

7. 7

   NOTE: If you're able to find it, there's nothing like fresh juicy ripe jackfruit. For this dish, use firm fruit not the floppy one. Don't throw away the seeds - they can be roasted and taste somewhat like roasted chestnuts.

8. 8

   For a more authentic flavor, use homemade coconut milk and jaggery in place of brown sugar.