Jerk is a style of Jamaican cooking that involves a super-hot spice mixture and (usually) meat. But what’s a guy or gal to do if you want that same fiery flavor without the environmental problems that often accompany meat production? Well, bring on the jackfruits! This fruit, when marinated and shredded, mimics the taste and texture of pulled pork. So this recipe offers a real culinary mash-up of ingredients—tropical fruit with Caribbean meat spices in a Mexican tortilla. You’ll never think of fruit the same way again!
Jerked Jackfruit Tacos with Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp agave nectar
- 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp ground allspice
- 1 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 - 20 oz can jackfruit, drained
- 3 pineapple rings, fresh or canned
- 6 soft corn or flour tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups sliced red cabbage
- 12 cherry tomatoes, quartered
- Vegan sour cream, for serving
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving
- Fresh lime, for serving
Nutrition
Per serving:
- calories524
- protein8g
- fat12g
- carbs108g
- sugar24g
- fiber14g
- sodium421mg
Directions
01
In small bowl, combine agave nectar, vinegar, olive oil and water. Set aside.
02
Combine cinnamon, black pepper, thyme, allspice, cayenne, nutmeg, garlic powder, onion powder and salt in small bowl. Place large, flat-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add spice mixture and stir for about 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Pour agave mixture into skillet and heat for 30 seconds. Add jackfruit and stir to break up jackfruit as it softens. Heat through, about 3 minutes, and set aside.
03
Heat grill pan over high heat and grill pineapple rings until lightly blackened, about 3 minutes per side. (If you donu2019t have a grill pan, just use a regular heavy-bottomed skillet and sear them for a couple of minutes on each side.)
04
Warm tortillas on stove or in microwave. Build tacos using jackfruit, grilled pineapple, cabbage, cherry tomatoes, sour cream and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
READ THIS NEXT
SEE MORE »
Smoky Lentil Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers
This hearty version of traditional sloppy joes has a tidy helping of sleep-aiding dietary fibre, thanks to its payload of smoky lentils. Swapping out the doughy bun for sweet bell pepper ups the nutritional ante and visual appeal. It’s also superb as leftovers. Smoke and fire Chipotle peppers are ripened red jalapeno chiles that have been smoked and dried. In stores, they’re typically sold in a rich, smoky flavoured adobo sauce. They add fiery, complex flavour to sauces used for pasta dishes, tacos, and any version of sloppy joes.
Yogurt Bowl with Tart Cherry Compote
If you’re hungry for a nighttime snack, then spoon up this creamy, sweet-tart yogurt bowl to help promote some sweet dreams. It’s also a great breakfast option with a little granola tossed on top. The cherry compote can be made up to 5 days in advance. Less is more Many people would be surprised by the amount of added sugar that can be found in flavoured yogurts, including vanilla. A healthier option is to select products that are labelled “plain” and then let natural sweetness come from fruit toppings.
Turkey Tarragon Stew
For many of us, turkey is a comfort food that recalls happy memories. This stew is one that is comforting both to make and to eat. Simmered slowly over a few hours, turkey drumsticks deliver rich flavour as well as a huge punch of protein. Tarragon gives it a fresh, bright pop of flavour that balances the earthy richness of the stew. Turkey contains high levels of B vitamins and selenium, as well as tryptophan, which has been explored in recent research for its role in the formation of the mood regulator serotonin. Leftover turkey You can also make this dish with leftover cooked turkey. Simply start the recipe by browning the leek and onion and adding stock, carrots, and parsnips. When the vegetables are tender, add cooked turkey and continue with the recipe [object Object]