Jackfruit Seed & cucumber Stir-Fry/ Halasina beeja southe kai palya/ Bele southe taalu

Cucumber-Jackfruit Seed Palya is a humble yet deeply flavorful stir-fry that reflects the heart of Coastal Karnataka’s seasonal, sustainable cuisine. Made with Mangalore cucumber (which used to be always part of summer vegetable farming olden days) and jackfruit seeds, this authentic dish embodies the essence of zero-waste cooking, turning seasonal abundance and often-discarded seeds into a nourishing, protein-rich side.

Rooted in tradition and guided by mindful use of local produce, this palya is light, earthy, and subtly sweet — a true taste of the region's thoughtful food culture. It's a comforting, wholesome addition to any meal, especially when served with rice or soft rotti.

Here you find my version of recipe & try this season without wasting the jackfruit seeds after eating the sweet fruit!

 

Ingredients:

Jackfruit seeds – 10-15

Sambhar southe/ Mangalore cucumber – 1 (small)

Salt to taste

Chilli powder – ½ tsp

Jaggery (grated) – 1 tsp

Grated coconut – 1 tbsp

1 tablespoon oil

½ teaspoon mustard seeds

1–2 dried red chilies

Curry leaves – 1 sprig

Instructions:

• Slightly crush the jackfruit seeds and remove the hard skin (crushing helps in removing the skin). Pressure cook the seeds for 2-3 whistle with water & salt to taste. Set aside.
• Once pressure settles down, open the lid and slice the jackfruit seeds.
• Wash, cut the cucumber into halves and remove the core with seeds. Then cut then into thin pieces of ¼ inch length or as desired.
• Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
• Add dried red chilies and cleaned curry leaves. Sauté well.
• Add the cucumber pieces.  Add salt jaggery, turmeric powder & chilli powder.
• Mix everything well and allow cucumbers to cook for few minutes. You can sprinkle little water in case needed.
• Add the sliced jackfruit seeds and Stir-fry for a few minutes more so that every ingredient is combined well and they are cooked properly.
• Add grated fresh coconut, mix & Swich off the heat.
• Serve this delicious & nutritious stir fry/ palya with boiled red rice and a spoon of ghee.

Notes:

• You can replace sambhar cucumber with regular salad cucumber which will have a unique flavor infused.
• This recipe is mildly spiced, you can make a spicier version as well which tastes equally good.