Breadfruit fry (nirpanas kaap/phodi) is a pan-fried Goan breadfruit dish, with a crispy exterior and soft inside, made with breadfruit slices marinated in red chili powder, salt, and turmeric, then coated in rava for a golden crust.
This easy breadfruit fry recipe comes together in just 30 minutes with only 5 ingredients. It is best served as a side dish with rice and dal, or enjoyed as a snack with evening tea.
I love Neerpanas Kaap (also called Nirpanasachyo Fodi), a popular Goan dish. It is also known as Jeev Kadgi (Kadgi Phodi) in Karnataka. I grew up eating it and still love its simple flavors. It is crispy outside, soft inside, and tastes similar to raw banana phodi or kaap.
If you like this, try my vangyache kaap (brinjal fry) made with the same crispy rava coating. Serve breadfruit fry with rice, dal, or traditional Goan dishes like khatkhate or mooga gathi.
What is a Breadfruit?
Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a tropical fruit from the mulberry family, and we cook it like a vegetable. It looks similar to Jackfruit, but it is smaller, round, and less spiky.
Nirpanas (or Neerphanas/Nirponos) is the Konkani term for breadfruit. Inside, it is white and starchy, like a potato. When cooked, it has a mildly sweet taste like a potato.
It is widely available along India's west coast, especially in the Konkan region. It is usually available during the summer and early monsoon. Mostly seen in markets from April to June.
Why This Recipe Works
- Crispy outside, soft inside with a perfect rava crunch.
- Quick and easy: ready in just 30 minutes.
- Simple ingredients: basic spices, no extra prep needed.
- Versatile: works as a side dish or evening snack.
- Kid-friendly: Lightly spiced, crunchy outside, soft inside. My kids love it.
Ingredients Notes
See the recipe card at the end of the post for full ingredients, quantities, and a printable version.
- Breadfruit: Also known as nirpanas or kadgi, it is different from jackfruit. Breadfruit has smooth skin with small bumps, while jackfruit has thick, sharp spikes on the outside. Use firm, green breadfruit for best results.
- Seasoning: Simple spices like red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt are used to season the breadfruit slices.
- Rava (Semolina): Gives it a crispy coating. You can substitute it with rice flour.
- Oil: Coconut oil gives the best flavor, but you can use any cooking oil with a high smoke point and mild flavor.
How to make Breadfruit Fry (Nirpanas Kaap)
I am sharing step-by-step photos with instructions on how to make nirpanas kaap.
Step 1: Apply oil on the knife and hands (it is sticky). Slice the breadfruit in half and remove the skin with a knife or peeler (images 1 & 2).
Step 2: Cut each half into quarters (image 3). Remove the center core, then slice evenly (images 4 & 5). The slices should not be too thick or thin (image 6).
Step 3: Keep slices in water to prevent browning, then rinse and drain (images 7 & 8).
Step 4: Add red chili powder, turmeric, and salt (image 9). Mix well. Rest for 10 minutes (image 10).
Step 5: Take ¾ cup rava (semolina) in a plate. Add a little turmeric and chili powder (optional, but it gives a nice color)
Step 6: Coat slices well in rava. Keep it aside.
Step 7: Heat oil in a pan and place slices on the tawa. Drizzle some oil and sprinkle a little water on top (images 15 & 16). Cover and cook (image 17).
Step 8: Flip and cook until crispy. Check with the knife tip. If it goes in easily, it is done. Serve this nirpanas kaap immediately.
Tips to make the best Breadfruit (Nirpanas) Fry
- Keep the slices in water to prevent browning. It is normal if the breadfruit turns brown after cutting. This is natural oxidation and completely safe.
- Fry on medium heat for even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches for crisp results.
- Sprinkle a little water and immediately cover to steam cook the breadfruit. Otherwise, it may take longer to cook.
Recipe FAQs
No, Breadfruit is different from Jackfruit. Breadfruit is starchy and used like a vegetable, with smoother skin and small bumps, while jackfruit has large, sharp spikes and fibrous bulbs that can be sweet when ripe.
It turns brown due to natural oxidation when exposed to air. It is completely safe to eat, and keeping the slices in water helps to slow down browning.
Recipe Card
Breadfruit Fry (Nirpanas Fry / Kadgi Fry)
Ingredients
- 500 g breadfruit (also known as Nirpanas or Kadgi)
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- salt to taste
- ¾ cup of rava semolina
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- 3 teaspoon oil (add more as required)
Instructions
- Apply oil on the knife and hands (it is sticky). Slice breadfruit (nirpanas) in half. Remove skin with a peeler or knife. Cut each half breadfruit into quarters, remove the center core, and discard it. Slice evenly.500 g breadfruit (also known as Nirpanas or Kadgi)
- Keep breadfruit slices in water to prevent browning, then rinse and drain.
- Add red chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Mix well. Rest for 10 minutes.1 teaspoon red chili powder, ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, salt to taste
- Take rava (semolina) in a plate. Add a little turmeric and chili powder (optional, but gives a nice color). Coat slices well in rava.¾ cup of rava, ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- Heat oil in a pan and place slices on a tawa. Drizzle oil, sprinkle a little water, cover, and cook. Flip and cook until crispy. Check with the knife tip if it goes in easily, it is done. Serve nirpanas kaap immediately.3 teaspoon oil
Notes
- Keep the nirpanas slices in water to prevent browning.
- Fry breadfruit slices on medium heat for even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches for crisp results.
- Sprinkle a little water and immediately cover to steam cook the breadfruit.
- Cook covered for a better soft inside and crispy outside.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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