Jackfruit Fiesta: Zesty Vegan Enchiladas to Spice Up Your Week!
Hey there, fellow food adventurers! Get ready to embark on a flavor journey south of the border with a dish that’s not only incredibly delicious but also packed with goodness: smoky jackfruit vegan enchiladas!
Forget the usual heavy, cheesy enchiladas! We’re going for a vibrant, healthy twist that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Smoky Sensation: The jackfruit filling, infused with chipotle and liquid smoke, gives a delightful ‘meaty’ texture without any actual meat. It's a smoky, savory explosion in every bite!
- Texture Galore: Crispy tortillas, a soft and savory filling, smooth white sauce, and the fresh burst of a tomato salsa - this dish is a rollercoaster of textures.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with plant protein, fiber, and vitamins, these enchiladas are a balanced and satisfying meal option.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by swapping out veggies, adding extra spices, or even choosing different vegan cheeses.
Key Ingredients & Why They Rock
- Jackfruit: Our star ingredient! Young, green jackfruit is incredibly versatile, taking on flavors beautifully. It's a fantastic meat alternative with a surprisingly similar texture.
- Chipotle & Liquid Smoke: This power duo adds depth and a smoky kick that'll make your tastebuds dance. You can adjust the amount of chipotle to get your perfect level of spice.
- Black Beans: Not just a great source of protein and fiber, they also add a lovely texture and contrast to the jackfruit.
- Corn Tortillas: We're going with gluten-free corn tortillas for a traditional feel, but feel free to use your favorite tortillas.
- Vegan Cheese: Optional but delightful, adding a melty, cheesy touch that takes the dish to the next level.
- Fresh Tomato Salsa: The cool, zesty salsa cuts through the richness of the filling, giving your mouth a burst of freshness.
Tips for Enchilada Success
- Crispy Tortillas: For non-soggy enchiladas, flash-fry the tortillas briefly in oil or lightly toast them in a pan before filling.
- Layering is Key: Don't be shy with the white sauce; it adds a creamy, rich layer to the enchiladas. A bit at the bottom, some on top, and you're set!
- Fresh is Best: Make the salsa just before serving to ensure its flavors and vibrant colors are at their peak.
Let's Get Cooking!
Ready to create these amazing enchiladas? Check out the recipe below and let’s get this fiesta started!
The Recipe
Yields: 10 enchiladas
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 x 565g (20oz) tins young green jackfruit, drained
- 30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 6 cloves garlic, finely diced
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 heaped tsp ground cumin
- 1 heaped tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- 2 pinches ground cloves
- 200g (¾ cup) tomato passata
- 30ml (2 tbsp) chipotle sauce
- 30ml (2 tbsp) soy sauce
- 15ml (1 tbsp) maple syrup
- ½ tsp liquid smoke
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 120g (¾ cup) cooked black beans (optional)
White Sauce
- 20ml (1½ tbsp) light olive oil
- 15g (1 tbsp) all-purpose flour or chickpea flour
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 240ml (1 cup) almond, soya or oat milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 55g (2 oz) vegan cheese, grated (optional)
Tortillas
- 60ml (¼ cup) frying oil (optional)
- 10 x 15 cm (6”) soft corn tortillas
Salsa
- 15 ripe plum tomatoes
- ½ small red onion, very finely diced
- 2 tsp lime juice
- ½ tsp sugar
- A handful of fresh coriander, well chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Jackfruit: Drain the jackfruit and remove the core pieces. You can chop them up if you like, or discard them. In a large pan, heat the olive oil, add the diced onion and garlic and fry gently until fragrant.
- Spice it Up: Add oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and cloves to the pan. Cook for a minute until fragrant, then add jackfruit, tomato passata, chipotle sauce, soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, salt, pepper and water and stir to combine.
- Simmer & Soften: Simmer the mixture gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until jackfruit fibers are soft.
- Optional Oven Caramelize: For an extra touch, spread the jackfruit mixture on a baking tray and bake at 200°C (390°F) for 20-25 minutes for a lightly browned and caramelized texture.
- Make the White Sauce: In a separate saucepan, gently heat the olive oil, whisk in the flour, and cook for a few minutes. Slowly whisk in plant milk until smooth, then add nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and season to taste.
- Prepare the Tortillas: For crispy tortillas, heat oil in a pan and flash-fry each tortilla for 15 seconds per side. Alternatively, brush with oil and lightly toast them in a pan.
- Make the Salsa: Chop the tomatoes and combine them in a bowl with the red onion, coriander, lime juice, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Spread a layer of white sauce in a baking dish. Fill each tortilla with the jackfruit mixture, roll it up, and place it seam down in the dish. Spoon remaining white sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle with vegan cheese if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the tortillas are crispy, the white sauce is browned, and the cheese is melted. Serve hot with the fresh tomato salsa and a dollop of avocado cream or vegan sour cream, if desired.
Get Creative!
- Add roasted veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to the filling for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Switch up the spices to give it a unique twist.
- Experiment with different types of vegan cheese for varied tastes and textures.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is a total game-changer! Whether you're a seasoned vegan or someone who's simply curious about plant-based options, these jackfruit enchiladas are a must-try. They’re bursting with flavor, packed with nutrients, and utterly satisfying.
So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and don't forget to share your delicious creations with us! Happy cooking!