Loaded jackfruit fries & smoky enchiladas

Delicious, saucy, falling-apart-goodness… the versatile jackfruit is now used by top-rated chefs around the world, and is being touted as the hottest “superfood” meat alternative – for good reason. It’s a naturally low-fat, fibre-rich vegan food without the heavy processing of some other meat alternatives. You can eat it fresh, fry it, simmer or stew it, making it the perfect plant-based alternative to use in savoury dishes.

If you haven’t tried jackfruit yet, why not give it a whirl? As November is World Vegan Month, these next few weeks are the ideal time to embrace a spot of plant-based eating.

While there are plenty of meat alternatives available, some can be overly processed, which means they’re also low in nutrients and high in salt, sugar, additives and saturated fats.

“Unlike some other plant-based meat alternatives, jackfruit is a whole food made with minimal processing,” says Tara Kaff, Accredited Nutritionist and Head Dietitian at Amazonia, which makes a range of jackfruit products. “The tender, young fruit that we use in our product has a very subtle taste when plain, making it perfect to add as a healthy meat alternative in your favourite savoury dishes. Completely plant-based, jackfruit is also low in calories, fat and sodium and, as it’s high in fibre, it keeps you fuller for longer.”

To get you started, try these punchy, flavourful recipes from Amazonia and Healthy Luxe using Tenderjack by Amazonia.

Loaded jackfruit fries

Potatoes sometimes get a bad rap, but they’re actually packed with nutritional benefits – when they’re not deep-fried in oil, that is. They’re high in fibre, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin B6 and contain zero cholesterol. As jackfruit is also high in fibre and low in fat, this version turns what is normally a pretty unhealthy dish into something a tad saintly.

You’ll need:

For the fries

1 small sweet potato, peeled and sliced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
¼ tsp salt (add to taste)

For the jackfruit mix

½ tbsp olive oil
1 red onion, chopped
300g Amazonia Smokey BBQ Jackfruit

To serve

60g grated vegan cheese
Avocado and sprouts, to serve  

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 190 degrees.

2. Place potatoes in a large mixing bowl with olive oil, paprika and salt. Gently toss until potatoes are well coated.
3. Line a baking tray and arrange potatoes in a single layer.

4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, turning occasionally, or until golden and slightly crispy.

5. While the potatoes are baking, prepare jackfruit mix. Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan. Add onion and braise for 5 minutes.

6. Add BBQ jackfruit and continue to cook over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes, gently pulling apart the jackfruit.

7. Transfer potato wedges to a heat-proof dish and top with jackfruit mix. Add cheese and return to oven for 5 minutes.

8. Serve with guacamole and microgreens.

Smoky jackfruit enchiladas

Mildly spicy and satisfying, these enchiladas are stuffed with smoky BBQ jackfruit and smothered in vegan cheese and homemade chipotle sauce made from just four ingredients. Top with guacamole, salsa and coriander… and enjoy.

You’ll need:

For the jackfruit 

½ tbsp olive oil
6 shallots, chopped
300g Amazonia Smokey BBQ Jackfruit

For the chipotle sauce 

½ tbsp olive oil
3 shallots, chopped
400g tinned organic tomatoes
2 tbsp harissa paste 

To assemble

4 tortillas (softened in sandwich press or pan)
60g grated vegan cheese

Method:

1. Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shallots and braise for approximately 5 minutes.

2. Add jackfruit. Using tongs, gently pull the jackfruit apart while heating. Cover and allow to cook for approximately 10 minutes, mixing regularly.

3. Meanwhile, prepare sauce. Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shallots and braise for 3-5 minutes. Add tomatoes and harissa paste, lower heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

4. Preheat oven to 180 degrees.

5. Arrange tortillas in an oven-proof dish, lying flat. Spoon a small amount of jackfruit mix in the tortillas and gently fold over.

6. Pour the sauce on top and cheese. Place in the oven and cook for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

7. Serve with guacamole, salsa, coriander and/or sprouts.

Tenderjack is sustainably sourced, hand-harvested and Certified Organic. You can buy it online, or at one of these retailers.