Tropical Trickster: The Meaty Mirage Stew That’ll Make Carnivores Do a Double Take!

If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting plant-based meal, this Jackfruit Stew is the perfect dish to warm you up. Packed with tender jackfruit, rich vegetables, and a flavorful broth, it’s a satisfying option that mimics the texture of a traditional stew while staying 100% vegan. The jackfruit absorbs all the delicious spices and seasonings, making each bite savory and robust.

Serve it over fluffy Rice or pair it with creamy Mashed Potatoes to create the ultimate comfort food combination. The rice soaks up the stew’s rich gravy, while the mashed potatoes provide a smooth, buttery contrast to the chunky stew.

Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend meal with friends, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Top-down view of the stew served in a bowl, garnished with reserved parsley and cracked black pepper. The rich stew is accompanied by garlic bruschetta, showcasing the warm, comforting dish.

Jackfruit Stew Recipe

This jackfruit and potato stew is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender jackfruit with savory herbs and spices. The smoky paprika and red pepper flakes give it a warm depth of flavor, while the flax meal helps to thicken the broth. Pair it with garlic bruschetta for a satisfying meal!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 263 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium Dutch oven or large pot
  • Potato masher (optional)
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Knife and Cutting Board
  • Mixing spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups potatoes -diced into 1 inch cubes
  • 1/2 yellow onion -chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic -minced
  • 1 large carrot -sliced into rounds
  • 9 cups veggie stock -low sodium
  • 1 cup fresh cherry tomatoes -chopped
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 3-4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3 leaves bay
  • 10 sprigs thyme
  • 2 tsp dry oregano
  • 3 tsp onion powder
  • 1.5 tsp chili powder
  • sea salt to taste
  • 1.5 tbsp flax + chia meal
  • 1/3 cup Italian parsley -chopped
  • 1.5 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil Optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat the Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add chopped onion with a pinch of sea salt and a splash of water, sautéing for about 5 minutes until translucent.
    Top-down view of a Dutch oven on a white marble countertop, with ½ chopped yellow onion sautéing with sea salt and a splash of water over medium-low heat. The onions are translucent and gently cooking.
  • Stir in carrots and minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add all the spices (smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, thyme, bay leaves, oregano, onion powder, chili powder) and jackfruit pieces, stirring well.
    Top-down view of the Dutch oven with minced garlic cloves and sliced carrots added to the sautéed onions. The mixture is being stirred and cooking until fragrant.
  • Pour in the veggie stock and bring the stew to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 40 minutes.
  • After 40 minutes, use a potato masher to lightly shred the jackfruit.
  • Add diced potatoes and flax meal, then simmer for another 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
    Top-down view of the Dutch oven as low-sodium vegetable stock is poured in and begins to simmer. The stew is cooking with the lid on for 40 minutes, with rich broth bubbling gently.
  • Stir in chopped tomatoes and adjust seasoning with sea salt to taste. Remove from heat, discard bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
    Top-down view of the Dutch oven with chopped fresh cherry tomatoes added to the stew. Sea salt is sprinkled to taste, and bay leaves and thyme sprigs are removed. The scene highlights the tomatoes and final seasoning adjustments.
  • Stir in most of the parsley, saving some for garnish. Let the stew sit covered for a few minutes to thicken up.
  • Serve with garlic bruschetta, garnished with parsley and freshly cracked black pepper.
    Top-down view of the stew served in a bowl, garnished with reserved parsley and cracked black pepper. The rich stew is accompanied by garlic bruschetta, showcasing the warm, comforting dish.

Nutrition Facts:

NutritionValue
Calories263 kcal
Fat5g
Sugar4mg
Sodium1462mg
Carbohydrates53g
Protein4g

Custom Twists You Can Add to This Recipe!

  • Try experimenting with different protein options for this stew, like soy chunks or extra-firm tofu. They offer a variety of textures while adding plant-based protein.
  • For a change, use tempeh instead of jackfruit. Its firm, chewy texture adds a unique twist to the stew, but keep in mind it’s soy-based, which may not work for everyone.
  • If you prefer seitan, it’s a great alternative, with a texture similar to meat, perfect for a hearty stew. However, since it’s wheat-based, it’s not suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Is Cooked Jackfruit Healthy?

Absolutely! Cooked jackfruit is a nutritious powerhouse. It’s low in calories and packed with vitamins like A, C, and several B vitamins. It’s also a good source of potassium, which supports heart health and helps regulate blood pressure. Plus, it’s high in fiber, aiding digestion and keeping you full longer. With its sweet flavor and meaty texture, it’s a healthy, versatile addition to any meal!

Please Rate this Recipe

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating