Recipe – Jackfruit Street Tacos

Jackfruit

Jackfruit is a tropical fruit native to South India. It is part of the Moraceae plant family which also includes fig, mulberry and breadfruit. It is has a spiky outer skin, is green or yellow, and is the largest tree fruit in the world. A single jackfruit can grow to as much as 80 pounds.

It contains more protein than similar fruits, and some of nearly every vitamin and mineral the body needs, as well as a decent amount of fat. It has a distinctive sweet flavor that has been described as a combination of apples, pineapples, mangoes, and bananas, and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. Vegans and vegetarians use the jackfruit as a meat substitute, as its texture is like shredded meat. It is very nutritious, being a major source of calories and carbohydrates and containing carbohydrates, fiber, protein, vitamins A and C, riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese. One cup of jackfruit contains 155 calories.

It is rich in several types of antioxidants, which is likely responsible for most of its health benefits. It may help control blood sugar, protect against disease, boost the immune system, improve skin problems, and reduce the risk of heart disease. While eating jackfruit is safe and beneficial for most all people, like any other food, it should not be eaten by those who may be allergic to it. And since it might lower blood sugar levels, individuals with diabetes should consult their physician before eating, since it might be necessary to change the dosage of medication.

Sources: healthline.com/nutrition/jackfruit-benefits; simplyplantbasedkitchen.com/vegan-jackfruit-street-tacos-recipe

Recipe – Jackfruit Street Tacos

Ingredients

1 onion, diced

1 Tbs. garlic, minced

2-20 ounce cans green jackfruit in water or brine

1 Tbs. chili powder

1 Tbs. cumin

1 Tbs. smoked paprika

2 Tbs. tomato paste

2 limes, juiced

1/2 cup vegetable broth

12 whole grain corn tortillas

Process

  • Rinse and drain the jackfruit. Shred it with your hands. Chop the harder pieces with a knife.
  • In a large pan, add onion and garlic and sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes until soft. Add jackfruit, seasonings, tomato paste, lime juice, and broth and combine.
  • Continue cooking for 5–7 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed. If too dry, add more broth.
  • Wrap tortillas in a paper towel and heat them in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to warm.
  • Fill taco shells with the jackfruit mixture and your favorite toppings!

Food for Life – Tofu Tacos

“Some are called to what are looked upon as humble duties—it may be, to cook. But the science of cooking is not a small matter. The skillful preparation of food is one of the most essential arts, standing above music teaching or dressmaking. By this I do not mean to discount music teaching or dressmaking, for they are essential. But more important still is the art of preparing food so that it is both healthful and appetizing. This art should be regarded as the most valuable of all the arts, because it is so closely connected with life. It should receive more attention; for in order to make good blood, the system requires good food. The foundation of that which keeps people in health is the medical missionary work of good cooking.

“Often health reform is made health deform by the unpalatable preparation of food. The lack of knowledge regarding healthful cookery must be remedied before health reform is a success.

“Good cooks are few. Many, many mothers need to take lessons in cooking, that they may set before the family well-prepared, neatly served food.

“Before children take lessons on the organ or the piano they should be given lessons in cooking. The work of learning to cook need not exclude music, but to learn music is of less importance than to learn how to prepare food that is wholesome and appetizing.

“Your daughters may love music, and this may be all right; it may add to the happiness of the family; but the knowledge of music without the knowledge of cookery, is not worth much. When your daughters have families of their own, an understanding of music and fancywork will not provide for the table a well-cooked dinner, prepared with nicety, so that they will not blush to place it before their most esteemed friends. Mothers, yours is a sacred work. May God help you to take it up with His glory in view, and work earnestly, patiently, and lovingly, for the present and future good of your children, having an eye single to the glory of God.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 263, 264.

Tofu Tacos

1 pound firm or very firm tofu, cubed

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced

1/3 cup Bragg Liquid Aminos or soy sauce

1/3 cup nutritional yeast

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1 Tablespoon chicken-like seasoning

olive oil

Cook all together on a Teflon griddle.

Serve with corn tortilla shells, salsa and soy sour cream. You may also add fresh tomatoes, olives, green onions and chopped lettuce.