7-Step Irresistible Zero-Oil Kathal Recipe | One-Pot Indian Comfort Food
If you’re searching for a flavor-packed, oil-free Indian sabzi that doesn’t compromise on richness or aroma, this zero-oil kathal recipe is your answer. This one-pot wonder brings together the meaty texture of jackfruit, a medley of warming Indian spices, and the health-boosting benefits of zero-oil cooking, all in a single pressure cooker.
Whether you’re managing your diet for health reasons or just trying to cut down on oil, this dish is a celebration of taste and wellness.
🍳 Simplicity Meets Satisfaction; One-Pot Cooking at Its Best
One of the most delightful aspects of this recipe is its incredible ease of preparation. There’s no need to pre-boil the kathal (jackfruit). Everything, i.e aromatics, spices, and chopped raw jackfruit—goes straight into a pressure cooker with water, and it all comes together in just one step.
This means:
Minimal utensils
Less cleanup
No complicated frying or sautéing
Perfect for batch cooking or weekly meal prep
You spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
🧄 The Role of Spices: Aromatic Therapy for Your Gut
Indian spices do more than add flavor, they’re traditional tools of digestive support and gut health. This zero-oil kathal recipe includes:
Bay Leaves – Known for stimulating digestive enzymes.
Black Cardamom – Provides a smoky flavor while aiding respiratory and digestive health.
Cumin, Coriander & Ajwain – Help soothe the gut and reduce bloating.
Turmeric – Anti-inflammatory and good for liver function.
Asafoetida (Hing) – Especially useful for gas and indigestion, which often accompany high-fiber foods like jackfruit.
The gentle simmering of spices in a water-based gravy ensures their volatile oils and nutrients are preserved without being overcooked in heavy oils, making the dish easier on the stomach.
🥦 Jackfruit: The Hero Ingredient for Health-Conscious Diets
Kathal is a fiber-rich, low-fat, plant-based meat alternative that’s slowly gaining the recognition it deserves. In India it is also famous as the Brahmin’s meat. Its fibrous texture makes it a satisfying substitute in meals that are otherwise heavily meat- or oil-dependent.
Health Benefits of Jackfruit in Disease Management:
✅ Diabetes-friendly: The high fiber and low glycemic load help regulate blood sugar.
✅ Weight loss: Keeps you full longer, prevents overeating.
✅ Fatty liver and cholesterol: Zero oil + jackfruit’s natural compounds support liver function and reduce LDL.
✅ Thyroid and hormonal balance: The presence of antioxidants supports metabolic functions.
✅ Digestive disorders: Its prebiotic fiber feeds healthy gut bacteria.
When cooked without oil and enriched with spices that support gut motility, kathal becomes a therapeutic food rather than just another sabzi.
🔥 Flavor Without the Fat — Why You Won’t Miss the Oil
Despite having zero oil, the final dish is robust, layered, and deeply satisfying. The water-based cooking allows the spices to bloom slowly, infusing the jackfruit with a depth of flavor that rivals any traditionally cooked kathal sabzi.
You’ll still get the comforting warmth, the slow-cooked softness of jackfruit, and the hint of spice that makes it a classic Indian favorite, without the heaviness or greasiness.
💪 Feast Big; Stay Fit - The FeastyFit Way
At FeastyFit, our motto – “Feast Big; Stay Fit”, is not just a catchphrase, it’s a philosophy. This zero-oil kathal recipe embodies that spirit. You can enjoy generous, soul-satisfying portions that are both:
Rich in flavour
Aligned with your health goals
Whether you’re trying to lose weight, manage insulin, cut down oil for heart health, or simply eat cleaner, this recipe proves that healthy doesn’t mean boring.
🥣 In Conclusion: Tradition Reinvented for Modern Wellness
This zero-oil kathal recipe isn’t just another healthy dish, it’s a culinary revelation. It’s proof that Indian food can be indulgent, aromatic, and health-supportive; all at once. With one-pot simplicity, spice-powered digestion, and disease-conscious ingredients, this recipe is for every health-forward foodie out there.
So go ahead, dig into a generous bowl of kathal without the guilt. Let the flavor surprise you, and the nutrition support you. Because at FeastyFit, we believe that when you cook smart, you really can Feast Big and Stay Fit.
