Vegan Jackfruit 'Lamb' Tagine - Holy Cow! Vegan Recipes (2024)

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Total time: 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

A spicy, sweet, sour vegan Jackfruit "Lamb" Tagine made with tender, young jackfruit, onions, apricots, raisins, and Moroccan spices. The recipe is soy-free, gluten-free and nut-free.

Vegan Jackfruit 'Lamb' Tagine - Holy Cow! Vegan Recipes (1)

There are many good reasons to eat a jackfruit, and its rather recent status as a meat substitute is not, to my mind, the chief one of them. I grew up eating jackfruit in my Indian home, and it was, in itself, always a special occasion. This is a delicious fruit, with a brilliant flavorthat combines the tastes of some of the most beloved tropical fruits from mangoes to bananas, and well worth waiting for during the few months it is in season. Besides, hacking into the large, thorny orb to get at all that golden goodness inside was always a huge job deserving of a celebration.

Vegan Jackfruit 'Lamb' Tagine - Holy Cow! Vegan Recipes (2)

In the Konkan region of India, where my parents come from, jackfruit trees are a common sight. In summer, the large, greenish-brown orbs with their unattractive, spiky skin, hang in bunchesfrom tall trees. The fruit can grow so huge, there are legends about four-food-wide jackfruit that weigh a hundred kilos. I've never seen one that big, but I do remember looking up and wondering how objects so large and so heavy could stay suspended on their slim, brown stems in defiance of gravity.

Every summer, my parents would look forward to visits from any relativeswho would brave crowded trains and buses to bring them a jackfruit, all the way from Karwar or Goa. If we happened to actually go there for the summer holidays, even better. Not because jackfruit wasn't available in Bombay, but because the jackfruit from their native land was a little more special to my parents. It simplytasted better.

The job of cutting the fruit usually fell upon my father who would oil his hands and sit astride a wooden plank with a huge blade attached to it, called an adoli (you can see a picture of an adoli here). The oil made it easier to later wash his hands off the sticky sap that oozed generously from the fruit. He would then carefully cut the large fruitdown the middle, so theedible segments inside were visible, and then he would make another cut, so they wereaccessible. He'd get some assistance from my mom or another adult who would, also with oiled fingers, help pull out the golden bulbs with their large, brown seeds. After the seeds had been removed (to be boiled and consumed later-- they were also delicious), we'd all dig in for a tropical feast like no other.

The jackfruit you cook with, though, is not this ripe jackfruit that tastes like heaven, but rather the raw version that is usually available here in cans. This was the type I used for my Jackfruit "Lamb" Tagine.

This is a rather luxuriously prepared dish, but your hands-on time is minimal, so don't worry you'll be stuck over a hot stove for an hour or more. Most of the cooking happens inside the oven. But the slow cooking adds amazing flavor, giving the spices -- and the apricots and raisins -- plenty of time to marry each other and get really happy. Because jackfruit does lack one quality as a meat substitute -- protein -- I added some chickpeas, also a very Moroccan ingredient, to the tagine (also try this fabulous Moroccan chickpea tagine and this vegan lentil sweet potato tagine).

I rather fell in love with this tagine. It's rich and delicious and served on a bed of couscous, it makes for a rich, satisfying, and hearty meal. The jackfruit cooks up tender and delicious and absorbs the spices beautifully.

Jackfruit is given superfood status in India: it is rich in fiber and vitamins, packed with antioxidants, and it is extremely heart-healthy. Indian nutritionists point to its abilities to reverse aging, lower body fat, and improve thyroid function. Now if that isn't enough reason to put down your golden turmeric latte -- just until you take a mouthful of this Jackfruit "Lamb" Tagine-- I don't know what is. 😉

Vegan Jackfruit 'Lamb' Tagine - Holy Cow! Vegan Recipes (3)

More yummy vegan stews:

  • African peanut stew
  • Vegan Moroccan Chickpea Stew
  • Ethiopian Lentil Stew

Vegan Jackfruit 'Lamb' Tagine - Holy Cow! Vegan Recipes (4)

Vegan Jackfruit "Lamb" Tagine

A spicy, sweet, sour vegan Jackfruit "Lamb" Tagine made with tender, young jackfruit, onions, apricots, raisins, and Moroccan spices. The recipe is soy-free, gluten-free and nut-free.

5 from 13 votes

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Moroccan fusion, nut-free, Soy-free

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 20 minutes mins

Cook Time: 1 hour hr

Total Time: 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Calories: 274kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 oz drained jackfruit in water or brine (don't use the one in syrup)
  • 1 large onion, sliced thinly
  • 1 tablespoon coconut or olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon grated garlic
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes
  • 4 cups vegetable stock or water
  • 1 inch stick cinnamon
  • ½ cup dry apricots
  • ¼ cup golden raisins
  • 2 cups canned or cooked chickpeas, drained
  • 2 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • 1 teaspoon ras el hanout

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

  • Mix the garlic, ginger, turmeric, paprika, salt and cumin powder. Dredge the jackfruit slices in it and set aside.

  • Heat the oil in a wide, oven-safe saucepan. Add the onions with some salt and saute until they soften.

  • Add the tomato paste and stir. Cook for a couple of minutes.

  • Add the jackfruit slices with all the spices they were marinated in, and let the jackfruit cook with the onions over medium-high heat, about 10 minutes, until it starts to brown. Stir frequently.

  • Add 3 cups of stock or water. You should have enough to almost cover the jackfruit. Add the apricots, raisins, and cayenne or red pepper flakes. Add the cinnamon stick and the chickpeas. Stir well and bring to a boil.

  • Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and place in the oven for 25 minutes.

  • After 25 minutes, lower the heat to 350 degrees and cook for another 30 minutes. Check while baking and add the remaining stock or water if the stew looks too dry.

  • Remove from the oven and carefully open. Stir in the ras el hanout. Check the tagine for salt and add more if needed.

  • Garnish with parsley, and serve with couscous.

Recipe notes

  • To make this recipe fat-free and in a slow cooker, mix all the ingredients in a crockpot and cook for three to four hours on high, checking the water level occasionally, and adding more if it dries up. Leave out the oil.

Nutrition Facts

Vegan Jackfruit "Lamb" Tagine

Amount per Serving

Calories

274

% Daily Value*

Fat

4.2

g

6

%

Potassium

596

mg

17

%

Carbohydrates

51

g

17

%

Fiber

11.8

g

47

%

Protein

9

g

18

%

Vitamin A

550

IU

11

%

Vitamin C

11.6

mg

14

%

Calcium

130

mg

13

%

Iron

4.5

mg

25

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Tried this recipe?Please leave a comment and recipe rating below!

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Vegan Jackfruit 'Lamb' Tagine - Holy Cow! Vegan Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Is jackfruit good for vegans? ›

Many vegan and vegetarian eaters seek out jackfruit for their dishes because of its absorbent texture, versatility, and mild taste. Jackfruit is a large tropical fruit that has a slightly sweet and fruity flavor and a meaty texture. It's often used as a replacement for meat in vegetarian or vegan dishes.

What vegan meat is made of jackfruit? ›

KARANA MAKES MEAT FROM JACKFRUIT.

We make plant-based meat using ingredients that support biodiversity, healthy soil, are good for farmers, and that can be crafted into the most delicious dishes across any cuisine.

How do you cook jackfruit? ›

To achieve the pulled texture, fry shredded jackfruit in olive oil on a high heat for a few minutes until it starts to brown. Then, add a little white wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and spices and simmer on a low heat for around 20 minutes until the liquid has evaporated.

Can you cook jackfruit like meat? ›

You can flavour the jackfruit with the same spices and flavours you would use for meats, and it has that great meaty texture. Can you use yellow jackfruit as meat? No, if you want to use jackfruit in place of meat, you should only buy green or unripe jackfruit. You'll usually find it in cans in brine.

When not to eat jackfruit? ›

Allergy to birch pollen or latex: People who are allergic to birch pollen or latex might also be allergic to jackfruit. Surgery: Jackfruit might cause bleeding and too much drowsiness if combined with medications used during and after surgery. Stop taking jackfruit at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery.

What to avoid when eating jackfruit? ›

Jackfruit can also be harmful if you eat it with milk or carbonated drinks. It may cause digestion and skin issues. You should avoid drinking water after the consumption of jackfruit as it can lead to diarrhoea. Jackfruit is a high water content fruit that smoothes out bowel movements.

Why jackfruit is called non veg? ›

The ripe fruit is sweet (depending on variety) and is commonly used in desserts. Canned green jackfruit has a mild taste and meat-like texture that lends itself to being called "vegetable meat". Jackfruit is commonly used in South and Southeast Asian cuisines. Both ripe and unripe fruits are consumed.

Is jackfruit gut friendly? ›

It's this gut-friendly fibre content along-with vitamin C and beta-carotene that suggests jackfruit may be useful for supporting immune health and potentially reduce the risk of viral infection. In addition to this, a compound found in the seed of the fruit appears to activate key immune cells, called neutrophils.

Is jackfruit a vegetable yes or no? ›

Originally Answered: Is Jackfruit a vegetable or a fruit? Jackfruit is actually a fruit. It is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, and it is native to South and Southeast Asia.

Does Trader Joe's sell jackfruit? ›

What we will say, clearly, is that the early and exciting success of our Green Jackfruit in Brine led us to the realization that American palates have an appetite for jackfruit. And that realization led us to the creation of Trader Joe's Yellow Jackfruit Curry with Jasmine Rice.

Does cooked jackfruit taste like chicken? ›

Jackfruit has a mildly sweet flavor to it, and can be used in place of meats in a variety of recipes. The jackfruit will cook down into what resembles shredded chicken or pork, and when sautéed with BBQ sauce and put in a sandwich or wrap, it will have the same texture and is very satisfying.

Why does jackfruit taste bitter? ›

The taste of jackfruit can vary depending on its ripeness; a ripe jackfruit will have a sweet, tropical flavor, while an unripe jackfruit will have a milder, slightly sour taste. The reason why jackfruit doesn't taste sour like some other fruits is due to its lower acidity levels.

Do you need to boil jackfruit before cooking? ›

However, before cooking with it in a recipe, you may like to boil the fresh unripe jackfruit for around 45 minutes to ensure it becomes tender in the final dish. If the recipe has a long cook time, like this jackfruit rendang, you can skip this step.

Does jackfruit taste gross? ›

food expert Kavey had this to say: Ripe fresh jackfruit is utterly utterly delicious, a gorgeously tasty fruit. Also fabulous freeze dried into your crisps. The jackfruit used as a meat substitute is usually the unripe fruit, which is completely different.

What fruits are best for vegans? ›

Quite a few vegan foods are low in carbs, including: Nonstarchy vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, zucchini, and leafy greens. High-fat fruits, such as avocados and olives. Low-sugar fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, watermelon, and cantaloupe.

What is a vegan who only eats fruit? ›

The fruitarian, or fruit, diet is a highly restrictive vegan diet. It excludes all animal products, including dairy. People following this program eat a diet consisting primarily of raw fruits.

Does jackfruit feel like meat? ›

Compared to ripe jackfruit, unripe jackfruit has a stringy, meaty texture similar to that of beef or pork. This texture—along with the fruit's neutral, almost bland taste, which can accommodate the flavor of whatever it's cooked in—is a large reason why jackfruit is such a popular meat alternative.

Is jackfruit healthier than chicken? ›

Jackfruit: Jackfruit is generally lower in calories and fat compared to chicken, making it a favorable option for those seeking to reduce their calorie and fat intake.

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