Polos – Fresh ( Moms’s Garden )

Description

Polos (පොලොස්) is the Sri Lankan name for young or unripe jackfruit. It is commonly used as a curry and is a traditional vegetarian dish. While ripe jackfruit is sweet and used as a fruit, unripe jackfruit (polos) is a versatile and highly nutritious vegetable with many health benefits.

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🥦 Health Benefits of Polos (Young Jackfruit as a Vegetable):

1. Rich in Dietary Fiber

• Aids digestion and promotes regular bowel movements.

• Helps prevent constipation.

• Keeps you full for longer—good for weight management.

2. Supports Blood Sugar Control

• Low glycemic index (GI).

• High fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels.

• Can be a healthy meat substitute for diabetics.

3. Heart Health Support

• Contains potassium that helps regulate blood pressure.

• Lowers risk of heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels (especially when cooked without oil).

4. Anti-inflammatory Properties

• Contains compounds with natural anti-inflammatory effects.

• May help reduce inflammation in joints and muscles.

5. Strengthens the Immune System

• Contains vitamin C and antioxidants.

• Helps the body fight off infections and diseases.

6. Plant-Based Protein Source

• Polos contains a good amount of plant-based protein.

• A great vegetarian alternative to meat for protein intake.

7. Improves Gut Health

• The prebiotic fiber in polos feeds beneficial gut bacteria.

• Supports overall digestive health.

8. Helps in Weight Management

• Low in calories and fat.

• High in fiber and bulk, which supports satiety and reduces overeating.

9. Liver-Friendly

• Traditional Sri Lankan and Ayurvedic medicine use polos curry for gentle detox and liver health.

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🍲 How It’s Commonly Used

• Polos curry (spicy or mild)

🥘 Polos Curry – Step-by-Step

✳️ Ingredients:

• 500g young jackfruit (polos), peeled and cut into cubes

• 2 tbsp coconut oil

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small piece ginger, grated

• 1 sprig curry leaves

• 1 small piece cinnamon stick

• 2–3 cloves

• 1 tsp mustard seeds

• 1 tsp fenugreek seeds (optional)

• 1½ tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp cumin powder

• 1 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

• 1 tbsp roasted curry powder (Sri Lankan style)

• 1 tbsp tamarind pulp or 1 tsp lime juice

• 1–1½ cups thick coconut milk

• Salt to taste

• Water as needed

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🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Method:

✅ Step 1: Prepare the Polos

1. Peel the outer green skin and remove the core.

2. Cut the polos into medium-sized cubes.

3. Boil polos in water with turmeric and salt for 15–20 minutes until half tender. Drain and keep aside.

✅ Step 2: Tempering Spices

1. Heat coconut oil in a pan or clay pot.

2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

3. Add curry leaves, cinnamon, cloves, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, and onions.

4. Sauté until onions are golden brown and fragrant.

✅ Step 3: Add Spice Powders

1. Lower the heat.

2. Add chili powder, coriander, cumin, turmeric, pepper, and roasted curry powder.

3. Fry the spices for 1 minute (be careful not to burn).

✅ Step 4: Cook the Polos

1. Add boiled polos cubes to the pan.

2. Mix well to coat with spices.

3. Add tamarind juice (or lime juice) and a little water.

4. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the jackfruit softens and absorbs the spices.

✅ Step 5: Add Coconut Milk

1. Pour in thick coconut milk.

2. Simmer uncovered on low heat for another 10–15 minutes until the curry thickens.

3. Taste and adjust salt and spice.

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🍛 Serve With:

• Steamed rice

• String hoppers