Jackfruit Stew (Vegan Beef Stew)
Jackfruit has taken the culinary world by storm, especially among those seeking delicious plant-based alternatives. If you’re in the mood for a hearty meal that satisfies your comfort food cravings, look no further than this Jackfruit Stew (Vegan Beef Stew). With its tender chunks of jackfruit, vibrant vegetables, and rich spices, this dish is sure to impress even the most devout meat-eaters. Plus, it’s simple to make and packed with nutrients!
Why I Love This Recipe
This Jackfruit Stew (Vegan Beef Stew) is not only comforting and flavorful, but it also showcases the versatility of jackfruit as a meat substitute. The young green jackfruit mimics the texture of pulled beef, making it an ideal base for this stew. I love how the combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices creates a rich and satisfying dish, perfect for chilly evenings or meal prep for the week ahead. It’s a cozy bowl of goodness that warms both the body and soul!
Ingredient List
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
- 3 medium Carrots, sliced
- 1 can (2 cups) Canned young green jackfruit, drained
- 1 Celery stalk, chopped
- 16 oz Potatoes, diced
- 1 cup Tomatoes, chopped
- 3.5 oz Button mushrooms, sliced
- 2.5 oz Fresh spinach leaves
- 2 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Sriracha (or any other chili paste)
- 2 cubes Dark chocolate (or cocoa powder for WFPB)
- 2 tsp Sweet smoked paprika powder
- 3 Bay leaves
- 10 sprigs Fresh thyme
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
- 2 + 2 cups Veggie broth
- 1 Tbsp Corn starch
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven – Perfect for simmering the stew.
- Wooden spoon – For stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Knife and cutting board – Essential for chopping vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure the right proportions.
- Can opener – For opening the canned jackfruit and tomatoes.
Jackfruit Stew (Vegan Beef Stew): Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit, then cut it into smaller pieces to mimic the texture of beef.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Next, stir in the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
Step 4: Incorporate the Jackfruit
Add the drained jackfruit to the pot, followed by the chopped tomatoes, button mushrooms, and fresh spinach. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 5: Season the Stew
Sprinkle in the oregano, garlic powder, Sriracha, sweet smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss in the bay leaves and fresh thyme sprigs for added flavor.
Step 6: Pour in the Veggie Broth
Add the veggie broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer for about 30-40 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Add Dark Chocolate
About 10 minutes before finishing, stir in the dark chocolate or cocoa powder. This will add depth and richness to the stew.
Step 8: Thicken the Stew
If you’d like a thicker stew, mix the corn starch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the pot. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until thickened.
Step 9: Adjust Seasoning
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Sriracha for heat.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving. Ladle the Jackfruit Stew (Vegan Beef Stew) into bowls and enjoy it warm with your favorite crusty bread or over rice.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
- Jackfruit: If you can’t find canned young green jackfruit, you can use shredded cooked mushrooms or tofu for a different texture.
- Veggie Broth: Substitute with water or any vegetable stock you love.
- Dark Chocolate: If you’re avoiding chocolate, you can simply omit it or use a dash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
- Fresh Herbs: Dried herbs can be used as a substitute; just reduce the amount by half.
Behind the Recipe
This Jackfruit Stew (Vegan Beef Stew) was inspired by traditional stews that have been enjoyed for generations. The use of jackfruit as a meat substitute showcases how plant-based cooking can be both creative and satisfying. I love experimenting with flavors and textures, and this recipe is the perfect example of how you can transform simple ingredients into a hearty meal. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the flavor profile, from the earthy mushrooms to the fresh herbs that brighten the dish.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
Leftover Jackfruit Stew (Vegan Beef Stew) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors will actually deepen and improve after a day or two, making it the perfect meal prep option!
Quick Questions
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Simply sauté the aromatics in a pan first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
Is jackfruit healthy?
Yes! Jackfruit is low in calories and a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a great addition to a balanced diet.
Can I add different vegetables to this stew?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in any of your favorite veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans to customize the stew to your liking.
What can I serve with this stew?
This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread, over rice, or with a side of quinoa. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Don’t Miss These
- Hawaiian Beef Stew – A tropical twist on classic stew!
- Beef And Barley Soup – A cozy, hearty option for chilly nights.
Serve & Enjoy
Now that you’ve made this delicious Jackfruit Stew (Vegan Beef Stew), it’s time to dig in! This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or just a comforting night in. Serve it hot, and let the warmth of the flavors envelop you. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. Happy cooking!
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Jackfruit Stew (Vegan Beef Stew)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by chopping the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit, then cut it into smaller pieces to mimic the texture of beef.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Next, stir in the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
- Add the drained jackfruit to the pot, followed by the chopped tomatoes, button mushrooms, and fresh spinach. Stir everything together to combine.
- Sprinkle in the oregano, garlic powder, Sriracha, sweet smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss in the bay leaves and fresh thyme sprigs for added flavor.
- Add the veggie broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer for about 30-40 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
- About 10 minutes before finishing, stir in the dark chocolate or cocoa powder. This will add depth and richness to the stew.
- If you'd like a thicker stew, mix the corn starch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the pot. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until thickened.
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Sriracha for heat.
- Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving. Ladle the Jackfruit Stew (Vegan Beef Stew) into bowls and enjoy it warm with your favorite crusty bread or over rice.
Notes
- Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This stew freezes beautifully; let it cool completely before freezing.
- Feel free to customize the stew with your favorite vegetables.
