Traditional Goan Dhondas – Overripe Jackfruit Cake Recipe

At our home in the village, we have a large jackfruit tree. During the summer, it bears plenty of jackfruits. We make various dishes like raw jackfruit curry and biryani from the raw jackfruits. we eat riped jackfruit as it is. But Sometimes, the ripe jackfruit suddenly gets overripe, and while it’s still edible, it becomes too mushy to eat directly. What can be done with it then? I asked my Goan friend if anything could be made with overripe jackfruit. She suggested making a cake out of it, and since baking is my passion, I immediately looked up a recipe and tried it. It turned out fantastic, with a delicious taste that complemented a cup of tea perfectly.

Also Read : 12 Incredible Health Benefits of Jackfruit Powder

What is Donas?

Donas is a traditional Goan delicacy prepared using Ripe Jackfruit pulp, Grated Coconut , Semolina and Jaggery.

Conventionally, dhonas was cooked directly on fire with a lid placed on top. Over this lid coals from the fire were placed. Hence, this baked the cake perfectly from top to bottom. It would taste heavenly! You can also steam the cake, however the baked version is tastier. I baked this cake in a OTG. Also, traditionally homemade coarse rice rava (semolina) was used to make dhonas.

The tropical taste of jackfruit is a delightful combination of sweet, aromatic, and subtly tangy flavors, with a soft, juicy texture reminiscent of mango and pineapple. It’s versatile, with hints of floral and musky notes, making it a unique and beloved fruit enjoyed in various culinary creations.

Ripe jackfruit offers several health benefits:

1. Rich in Nutrients: Ripe jackfruit is a good source of vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
2. Dietary Fiber: It contains a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes bowel regularity, and helps prevent constipation.
3. Antioxidants: Ripe jackfruit is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and phytonutrients, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
4. Boosts Immunity: The presence of vitamin C in ripe jackfruit helps boost the immune system and promotes overall health.
5. Regulates Blood Sugar: Despite being sweet, ripe jackfruit has a low glycemic index, which means it does not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. This makes it a suitable fruit for those with diabetes when consumed in moderation.
6. Heart Health: The potassium content in ripe jackfruit may help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
7. Improves Skin Health: The vitamins and antioxidants in ripe jackfruit contribute to healthy skin by promoting collagen production, reducing signs of aging, and protecting against sun damage.
8. Aids Weight Loss: Ripe jackfruit is low in calories and fat while being high in fiber, making it a filling snack that can help with weight management when included as part of a balanced diet.
   Incorporating ripe jackfruit into your diet can contribute to overall health and well-being.

Also Read: Recipe: Raw Jackfruit Curry | Kathal Curry | Fanas Curry

Here is the best recipe to consume riped jackfruit into your diet.

Recipe for Donas/Dhondas  (Overripe Jackfruit Cake)

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup semolina/ Wheat Rava
• 2 cups Jackfruit pulp
• 1 cup Jaggery
• 1 cup grated Coconut
• 2 tbsp Ghee ( 1 tbsp for roasting rava, 1 tbsp for pouring along the sides of the cake)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp curd

Procedure:

1. Prepare Jackfruit Pulp: Start by plucking the jackfruit pods from the fruit and removing the seeds. Then, add the deseeded jackfruit to a blender or mixer and grind it into a smooth pulp without adding any water.

2. Roast Semolina: Heat ghee in a kadai or pan, then add semolina (also known as wheat rava) and roast it until it turns light brown and releases a pleasant aroma. Once done, allow it to cool down.

3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to the required temperature.

4. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the jackfruit pulp, curd, jaggery, salt, and cardamom powder. Mix everything well until it forms a uniform mixture. Then, add grated coconut, baking powder, and the roasted semolina to the mixture. Combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

5. Grease Baking Tin: Grease a baking tin with oil or butter to prevent the cake from sticking.

6. Pour Mixture into Tin: Pour the prepared mixture into the greased baking tin and level it up evenly.

7. Bake: Place the baking tin in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, check the cake. If you notice that the sides have lightly browned, slowly pour a tablespoon of ghee along the sides of the tin. Then, continue baking for another 15 minutes.

8. Cool and Demould: Once the cake is baked, switch off the oven and remove the tin. Allow the cake to cool down before attempting to demould it. Once cooled, run a knife along the edges of the tin to loosen the cake. Then, place a plate on top of the tin and carefully turn it upside down to remove the cake.

9. Slice and Serve: Once the cake is demoulded, slice it into pieces and serve.

This traditional Goan delicacy is known for its unique combination of ripe jackfruit, coconut, and jaggery, resulting in a flavourful and aromatic cake. Enjoy!

Enjoy this traditional Goan treat and savour the unique flavors of jackfruit!