Kothal Guti Pitika Bor
Crispy fritters from Assam made with mashed jackfruit seeds, pungent mustard oil, and fresh herbs. A unique and delicious way to use an often-discarded ingredient, perfect as a tea-time snack.
For 4 servings
Boil and Peel the Jackfruit Seeds
- Rinse the jackfruit seeds thoroughly under running water.
- Place the seeds in a saucepan or pressure cooker with enough water to cover them completely. Add a pinch of salt.
- If boiling in a pan, cook for 15-20 minutes until tender. If using a pressure cooker, cook for 2-3 whistles.
- Drain the hot water and let the seeds cool just enough to handle.
- While still warm, peel off both the outer white skin and the thin, inner brown membrane. This is easiest when they are warm.
Prepare the Pitika (Mash) Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the peeled jackfruit seeds using a potato masher or the back of a heavy spoon. Aim for a coarse, slightly chunky texture, not a smooth paste.
- Add the finely chopped onion, green chilies, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped coriander leaves to the mashed seeds.
- Sprinkle in the turmeric powder and salt.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of mustard oil over the mixture. This adds the authentic pungent flavor.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until well combined.
Bind and Shape the Fritters
- Add the rice flour to the mixture. The rice flour acts as a binding agent and makes the fritters crispy.
- Knead the mixture gently until it forms a firm, dough-like consistency that holds its shape. If the mixture feels too wet or sticky, add 1-2 teaspoons more rice flour at a time.
- Take small, lemon-sized portions of the mixture and flatten them between your palms to form small, round patties (bor), about 2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
Shallow Fry the Bor
- Heat 1/4 cup of mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a tiny piece of the mixture into it; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is hot enough.
- Carefully place the shaped patties into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they turn a deep golden brown and become crisp.
- Once cooked, remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Serve
- Serve the Kothal Guti Pitika Bor hot and fresh.
- They are delicious on their own or can be paired with a side of mint-coriander chutney or a simple tomato ketchup.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use pungent, cold-pressed mustard oil, which is characteristic of Assamese cuisine.
- 2Ensure you remove both the outer white layer and the inner brown skin of the jackfruit seeds for a better taste and texture.
- 3Do not over-mash the seeds; a coarse texture gives the fritters a delightful bite.
- 4Fry on a consistent medium heat to ensure the fritters cook through evenly without burning on the outside.
- 5If the mixture becomes too dry, sprinkle a few drops of water to help it bind.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Spices
For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of roasted cumin powder or a pinch of garam masala to the mixture.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Incorporate 2-3 tablespoons of finely grated carrot or finely chopped capsicum into the mash for added nutrition and texture.
Alternative BinderAlternative Binder
You can use a mix of rice flour and besan (gram flour) in equal parts for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Make it SpicierMake it Spicier
Add a pinch of red chili powder along with the green chilies for an extra kick of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Dietary Fiber
Jackfruit seeds are packed with both soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids digestion, helps prevent constipation, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
Provides Plant-Based Protein
These fritters offer a decent amount of plant-based protein from the jackfruit seeds, contributing to muscle repair, satiety, and overall body function.
Rich in Minerals
Jackfruit seeds are a source of important minerals like magnesium and potassium, which are vital for heart health, nerve function, and maintaining proper fluid balance in the body.
Frequently asked questions
Kothal Guti Pitika Bor is a traditional Assamese fritter. 'Kothal Guti' means jackfruit seeds, 'Pitika' means mash, and 'Bor' means fritter. It's a savory snack made from mashed jackfruit seeds mixed with onion, chilies, herbs, and spices, then shallow-fried until crispy.