Jackfruit “Pulled Pork” and Mango Slaw

A fruit that can look and taste like pulled pork? Yes, it’s true! Jackfruit is a healthy, inexpensive and delicious plant-based alternative to pulled pork or chicken, which even the most serious carnivores may enjoy. It’s a great meal for Father’s Day — or for fathers to make with kids!

Jackfruit “Pulled Pork”

Ingredients:

• 2 20-oz. cans jackfruit in brine or water (not in syrup), drained and rinsed
• 1 Tbsp. olive or other oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup broth (any type, but use vegetable if you want to go meatless) or water
• 1 cup barbecue sauce, any type

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400^◦ F. Grease a baking pan.
2. Cut the rinsed jackfruit into smaller pieces.
3. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat, and add onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are tender and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the chopped jackfruit and broth or water. Cover and cook about 10 minutes, until the jackfruit is soft enough that it can be mashed. Mash the jackfruit with potato masher until it breaks apart and looks pulled or shredded. (Children can mash the jackfruit, but first transfer to a bowl and cool.)
5. Spread jackfruit in an even layer across the greased baking pan and bake for 15 minutes.
6. Remove from oven, pour over 1/2 cup barbecue sauce and stir to combine. Return to the oven for about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve with remaining barbecue sauce.
7. Serve with mango slaw (recipe below) on a plate, bun, roll or tortilla(s).

Mango Slaw

Ingredients:

• 10-oz. packages of shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix (you can use any type) or shred a cabbage yourself
• 1 ripe, but slightly firm mango
• 2–3 green onions (less if you prefer)
• 1 lime
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Peel and dice mango into small pieces.
2. Pour slaw into a bowl and add mango. With clean hands, mix the two. (Children can help!)
3. Chop green onions and add, if using.
4. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the slaw and toss to combine.

Add salt and pepper to taste and combine. Allow to sit and meld flavors for a half-hour or more before serving.