Purple Carrot, known for its innovative plant-based meal kits, often features jackfruit, an incredibly versatile fruit that when unripe, can replace meat in texture and flavor. Today, we will explore five unique Purple Carrot recipes where jackfruit takes the center stage, offering a delightful twist to vegan cuisine.
BBQ Jackfruit Tacos
These tacos bring the vibrant flavors of BBQ to your table in a completely plant-based form. Here’s how to prepare:
- 1 can of young green jackfruit in brine or water
- 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
- 6 small tortillas
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Steps:
- Drain and rinse the jackfruit. Then, use your hands or a fork to shred the jackfruit to mimic the texture of pulled pork.
- In a pan over medium heat, combine the shredded jackfruit with BBQ sauce and cook until heated through and flavors are well absorbed.
- Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame until pliable.
- Assemble the tacos with a generous serving of BBQ jackfruit, a sprinkle of red onion, and a garnish of cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges for a fresh squeeze before eating.
💡 Note: Ensure the BBQ sauce is vegan or make your own for complete control over ingredients.
Jackfruit Biryani
Biryani, an aromatic rice dish from South Asia, gets a vegan makeover with jackfruit:
- 1 cup basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
- 1 can of jackfruit
- 2 cups chopped vegetables (carrots, peas, beans)
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- Spices: bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, biryani masala
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Mint leaves and coriander for garnish
Steps:
- Parboil the rice, then drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large pot, add whole spices, then onions, and fry until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste, cook until the raw smell disappears, then add vegetables and jackfruit, cooking until veggies are slightly tender.
- Mix in ground spices and cook until the mixture is well-coated.
- Layer the parboiled rice over the vegetable mixture, adding mint and coriander in between layers.
- Cook covered on low heat, allowing flavors to meld for about 20-25 minutes.
Spicy Jackfruit "Wings"
These wings are perfect for game day or any gathering where you want a spicy snack:
- 1 can of jackfruit, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup non-dairy milk
- Hot sauce or buffalo sauce for coating
Steps:
- Mix dry ingredients except milk for breading.
- Coat jackfruit chunks in non-dairy milk, then in the breading mix.
- Fry until golden or bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Toss in buffalo sauce and serve with a side of vegan ranch dip.
Jackfruit Katsu Curry
This Japanese-inspired dish elevates jackfruit with a crispy exterior:
- 1 can of jackfruit
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 cup water
- Curry sauce mix
- Oil for frying
- Rice for serving
Steps:
- Make a batter by mixing flour and water.
- Dip jackfruit pieces in the batter, then coat with panko.
- Fry until crispy or bake until golden and crunchy.
- Serve with rice and a generous pour of curry sauce.
💡 Note: You can also use pre-made curry sauce for convenience.
Jackfruit Gyros
These gyros offer a Mediterranean taste with a vegan twist:
- 1 can of jackfruit
- Gyros seasoning (oregano, garlic powder, cumin, pepper)
- Pita bread
- Toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, vegan tzatziki
Steps:
- Shred the jackfruit and mix with gyros seasoning.
- Cook on a grill pan or oven until slightly charred.
- Warm pita bread, then assemble with jackfruit, vegetables, and tzatziki.
To conclude, jackfruit recipes from Purple Carrot offer an exciting entry into the world of plant-based cooking. Each dish not only promises a flavorful experience but also showcases the versatility of jackfruit, making it a fantastic meat substitute. Whether you're looking to explore new flavors or make your meals more sustainable, these recipes are a perfect starting point.
What is Jackfruit?
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Jackfruit is a large tropical fruit native to South Asia, with a unique texture when unripe, making it a popular meat alternative in vegan cuisine.
Can I make these recipes gluten-free?
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Yes, most of these recipes can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour, bread crumbs, and ensuring BBQ or curry sauce are also gluten-free.
How long does it take to prepare these dishes?
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The preparation time for these recipes can vary, but most can be prepared in under an hour, with some dishes requiring up to 45 minutes of cooking time.
