Minatamis Na Langka (Sweetened Jackfruit) is a delectable tropical dessert that features ripe jackfruit pieces cooked in sweet sugar syrup. This dessert offers a perfect combination of the natural sweetness and unique flavor and aroma of ripe jackfruit, enhanced by the addition of sugar. This 3-ingredient versatile dessert is tasty on its own and can be used to flavor more desserts such as turon, ice cream, and halo-halo.
I went to the Asian market today and saw a lot of langka on sale and they smell and look good. I love making minatamis na langka so I bought some and also to make a few desserts out of it including crispy turon.
In the Philippines, my grandparents have a few langka tree that grow in their backyard. They are huge and heavy spiky green protrusions in oval shape. When they are ripe, the color changes to a yellow-green or brownish-yellow, and spikes become less prominent. And they have a strong fruity smell when they are ready.
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Ingredients
There are only two ingredients plus water to make this easy and yummy dessert. I recommend adjusting the sugar if you want a more sweeter jackfruit flavor.
In the United States, jackfruit or langka is widely available at any Asian Supermarket. They should be in the fruit and vegetable section, you may need to ask for a store helper if you can't find one.
In the Philippines, you can find it in most Grocery stores or wet markets nationwide.
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Jackfruit: Cut the jackfruit into smaller, bite-sized pieces. You can wear gloves or coat your hands and knife with a little oil as the fruits produce sticky latex that can be challenging to handle.
Remove the seeds from the jackfruit pieces. You can cook and eat the seeds separately if you want. They taste like a chestnut that I like so it's worth eating them.
Pro Tip: Choose a ripe jackfruit with a strong, sweet aroma. The fruit should be slightly soft to the touch and have a golden-yellow color. Unripe jackfruit is often used in savory dishes, so it's best to use ripe jackfruit for this recipe
Step 2. Cook the Jackfruit: Place the sugar and water in a pot. Dissolve the sugar and bring it to a boil.
Add the jackfruit and bring it to another boil. Let it simmer until it turns soft and tender. The liquid should slightly thicken and turn to a light syrup.
Once the sweetened jackfruit reaches your desired consistency, turn off the heat and let it cool down as its flavor develops. Transfer into a jar or container. Enjoy!
Storage Tips
Minatamis na langka can last in the refrigerator for a long period of time if stored properly. When stored under ideal conditions, it can typically remain good for:
- Short Term: If you intend to consume it within a week or two, it should maintain its quality and taste without any significant changes in texture or flavor.
- Long Term: If you want to extend its shelf life further, you can store sweetened jackfruit in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 months. But over time, the texture may become slightly soggy and the syrup may thicken, other than that, it should be safe to eat.
Why I Think You Will Love This Dish
- Delightful Taste: The primary flavor of Minatamis na Langka or sweetened jackfruit is from the sweetness of ripe jackfruit. It has a sweet and tropical taste, often described as a combination of pineapple, banana, and mango. Then, the additional sugar syrup adds an extra layer of sweetness and glossiness.
- Aroma: It has a pleasant, fruity aroma that's both sweet and slightly exotic. If you've ever smelled ripe jackfruit, you'll recognize its unique and enticing scent in this amazing dessert.
- Versatile Dessert: This Filipino dessert can be enjoyed on its own as a dessert or used in different sweet recipes, such as toppings for ice cream and filling for pastries.
- To Preserve Ripe Jackfruit: Sweetening jackfruit is an excellent way to preserve your ripe jackfruit to use later. By cooking it in sugar syrup, you can extend the shelf life of the fruit and enjoy it over a more extended period.
- If you love more Filipino desserts, check out my Ube Halaya Jam, Ube Puto, Creamy Maja Blanca, and Filipino Macaroni Salad.
Minatamis Na Langka (Sweetened Jackfruit)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ripe jackfruit
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Cut the jackfruit into smaller, bite-sized pieces. You can wear gloves or coat your hands and knife with a little oil as the fruits produce sticky latex that can be challenging to handle.
- Remove the seeds from the jackfruit pieces. You can cook and eat the seeds separately if you want. They taste like a chestnut that I like so it's worth eating them.
- Place the sugar and water in a pot. Dissolve the sugar and bring it to a boil.
- Add the jackfruit and bring it to another boil. Let it simmer until it turns soft and tender. The liquid should slightly thicken and turn to a light syrup.
- Once the sweetened jackfruit reaches your desired consistency, turn off the heat and let it cool down as its flavor develops. Transfer into a jar or container. Enjoy!
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