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Jackfruit Sri Lankan Curry (Polos Curry / Ambula)

Jackfruit Sri Lankan Curry (Polos Curry / Ambula)

Ingredients
3
Person(s)
  • Main Ingredient
  • 250 g
    Young green jackfruit
  • 1 medium
    Onion
  • 3 cloves
    Garlic
  • 1-inch piece
    Ginger
  • 1–2, sliced
    Green Chilies
  • 1
    Tomato
  • 2 tbsp, caramelized (brown)
    Yellow Onion
  • 2 tbsp
    Cashew Nuts
  • 1 tbsp
    Melon Seeds
  • Spices & Condiments
  • 1 tbsp
    Sri Lankan Curry Powder
  • ½ tsp
    Turmeric Powder
  • ½ tsp
    Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp
    Chili Powder
  • ¼ tsp
    Mustard Powder
  • 1 small piece
    Cinnamon
  • to taste
    Salt
  • pinch
    Curry Leaves
  • Liquids & Oils
  • 1 cup
    Coconut Milk
  • ½ cup
    Water
  • 2 tbsp
    Coconut Oil
Directions
  • Prep the jackfruit

    If using canned jackfruit, rinse and drain thoroughly. Cut into bite-sized chunks.

  • Toast the spices

    In a dry pan, lightly toast mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, and cinnamon until aromatic. Set aside.

  • Sauté aromatics

    Heat sunflower oil in a pot. Add sliced onion, garlic, ginger, and green chilli. Sauté until golden and fragrant.

  • Add tomatoes and brown onion

    Stir in chopped tomato and caramelized brown onion. Cook until soft and jammy.

  • Spice it up

    Add curry powder, turmeric, chilli powder, black pepper, and toasted spices. Mix well and cook for 1–2 minutes.

  • Add jackfruit and nuts

    Toss in jackfruit pieces, cashew nuts, and melon seeds. Stir to coat with the spice mixture.

  • Pour coconut milk & simmer

    Add coconut milk and water. Season with salt and sugar. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes until jackfruit is tender and flavors are absorbed.

  • Optional thickening

    If needed, stir in corn starch slurry to thicken the curry slightly.

  • Finish & serve

    Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with steamed white rice and a side of sambol.

Nutritions

Wellness Tip: High fiber and low cholesterol make this curry a heart-friendly, digestion-supportive choice for plant-based eaters.

  • Energy:
    164 kcal
  • Protein:
    2.2 g
  • Total Carbohydrate:
    18 g
  • Total Sugar:
    5 g
  • Added Sugar:
    1.9 g
  • Total Fat:
    7.6 g

Polos curry, also known as ambula, is a cherished Sri Lankan dish made from young green jackfruit. Traditionally slow-cooked with a vibrant blend of spices, this curry is known for its bold, earthy flavour and nourishing texture.

Why You’ll Love This Curry

This Sri Lankan jackfruit curry is:

  • Creamy and vegan, with coconut milk adding a fresh, tropical lift
  • Earthy, spicy, and peppery, absorbing every note of the spice blend
  • Succulent and satisfying, with jackfruit mimicking the texture of meat
  • Rooted in tradition, yet perfect for modern wellness-focused meals

Each bite is a celebration of Sri Lankan culinary heritage—warming, comforting, and deeply flavourful.

Serving Suggestions
  • Pair with steamed white rice or red rice for added fiber
  • Add a side of Katta Sambol or Coconut Sambol for extra heat
  • Garnish with lime wedges or fresh curry leaves to brighten the dish

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Ingredient Highlights

This ready-to-use curry blend includes:

  • Jackfruit (30%) – tender, fibrous, and perfect for absorbing spices
  • Cashew nuts & melon seeds – add creaminess and texture
  • Brown onion, garlic, ginger, green chilli – the aromatic base
  • Spices & condiments – traditional Sri Lankan spice mix
  • Natural flavouring & yeast extract – for umami depth

⚠️ Allergens: Contains nuts, soybeans, wheat, sesame, sunflower seeds.

Wellness Angle
  • High in dietary fiber (8.7g/100g) – supports digestion and satiety
  • Low in cholesterol – heart-friendly
  • Plant-based protein – great for vegan diets
  • No refrigeration needed – ideal for pantry storage and zero-waste planning