Cut 500 grams of tender jackfruit into small bite-sized pieces and wash them thoroughly. Boil the jackfruit pieces in water with a pinch of salt for 10-15 minutes until they become soft. Drain the water and keep the jackfruit aside.
In a mixing bowl, add 200 grams of gram flour (besan), 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds), a pinch of asafoetida (hing), salt to taste, and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. Mix all the ingredients well.
Gradually add water to the dry mixture and whisk it to form a smooth, thick batter. Ensure there are no lumps in the batter.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadai for deep frying. Once the oil is hot, dip the boiled jackfruit pieces in the prepared batter, ensuring they are well coated.
Carefully drop the batter-coated jackfruit pieces into the hot oil and deep fry them on medium heat until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep turning the pakoras occasionally for even cooking.
Once the kathal pakoras are ready, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Serve the kathal pakoras hot with green chutney or tomato ketchup.