Recipe-o'-clock: Cook Caribbean vegan jackfruit curry at home
The Caribbean vegan jackfruit curry is a vibrant, flavorful dish that captures the essence of Caribbean culinary traditions. It uniquely uses jackfruit as a meat substitute, making it popular among vegans and vegetarians. Its cultural significance stems from the blend of native spices and ingredients, highlighting its rich heritage. Ready to bring this tradition into your kitchen? Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For the curry, gather one large can (20 ounces) of young green jackfruit, two tablespoons vegetable oil, one large chopped onion, three minced garlic cloves; one tablespoon grated ginger; two tablespoons curry powder, one teaspoon each ground turmeric and cumin, half a teaspoon chili powder (adjustable), one 14-ounce can coconut milk, two cubed large potatoes, salt to taste, and cilantro for garnish.
Preparing the jackfruit
Begin by preparing the jackfruit. After draining and rinsing it, pat dry with paper towels. Then, using your hands or a fork, shred the jackfruit pieces into smaller chunks that resemble pulled meat. This step is crucial as it allows the jackfruit to better absorb all the flavors from the spices and seasonings you will add later.
Sauteing vegetables and spices
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and saute until they become translucent. Then add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Stir in curry powder, ground turmeric, ground cumin, and chili powder. Cook for about two minutes or until spices are well toasted but not burnt.
Cooking curry with coconut milk
Add shredded jackfruit to the pan along with cubed potatoes. Stir well ensuring that every piece is coated with spices. Pour in coconut milk and bring everything to a simmer over low heat. Cover your pan partially allowing some steam to escape which helps thicken your curry naturally without needing any thickening agents like flour or cornstarch.
Final touches before serving
Simmer the curry gently for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust salt to taste before turning off the heat. Garnish with cilantro leaves before serving with rice or flatbreads for an authentic Caribbean experience. This vegan jackfruit curry offers a flavorful journey, perfect for exploring international cuisines while maintaining a vegetarian diet.
