Breadfruit Recipes Vegan: Delicious Plant-Based Ideas

Breadfruit is one of the most versatile and underappreciated tropical ingredients, especially for plant-based cooks. Its mild, slightly nutty flavor and potato-like texture make it perfect for a wide variety of vegan recipes.

If you’re looking for a wholesome, starchy substitute for potatoes or grains, breadfruit is your new best friend. In this blog post, I’ll share several delicious vegan breadfruit recipes that are sure to brighten your meal rotation.

Whether you’re preparing a nourishing curry, crispy fries, or a creamy mash, breadfruit adapts beautifully and soaks up flavors like a dream. Ready to unlock the culinary potential of breadfruit?

Let’s dive into these vegan recipes that’ll make you a breadfruit believer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Plant-based goodness: Every recipe here is 100% vegan—no animal products, just pure plant power.
• Versatility: Breadfruit can be roasted, boiled, fried, mashed, or baked, making it perfect for all sorts of creative dishes.
• Nutritious and filling: Breadfruit is rich in fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and complex carbs, helping you stay full and energized.
• Budget-friendly: In tropical regions, breadfruit is often inexpensive and plentiful, providing great value for money.
• Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free, breadfruit is an excellent alternative for those with celiac or gluten sensitivities.
• Flavorful: Its subtle flavor pairs well with a variety of herbs and spices, allowing you to experiment with different cuisines.

Ingredients

Below, you’ll find the ingredients for three delicious vegan breadfruit recipes: Breadfruit Curry, Crispy Breadfruit Fries, and Creamy Mashed Breadfruit.

Breadfruit Curry

Crispy Breadfruit Fries

Creamy Mashed Breadfruit

Equipment

• Large pot (for boiling and simmering breadfruit)
• Sharp knife (for peeling and cubing breadfruit)
• Baking sheet (for fries)
• Mixing bowls
• Large skillet or Dutch oven (for curry)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander
• Potato masher or immersion blender (for mashed breadfruit)

Instructions

Breadfruit Curry

1. Prep the breadfruit: Peel the breadfruit, remove the core, and cut into 1-inch cubes. Place in a bowl of water to prevent browning.
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat coconut oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
3. Spice it up: Add curry powder, turmeric, and cumin. Stir for 1 minute to toast the spices.
4. Add breadfruit and liquids: Drain and add the breadfruit cubes. Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Stir in the tomato.
5. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until breadfruit is tender.
6. Add greens: Stir in the spinach or kale. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Season and serve: Taste, then add salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Crispy Breadfruit Fries

1. Preheat oven: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prep breadfruit: Peel and slice the breadfruit into fries, about 1/2-inch thick.
3. Season: Toss fries with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until evenly coated.
4. Arrange and bake: Spread fries in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
5. Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Creamy Mashed Breadfruit

1. Boil breadfruit: Place peeled and cubed breadfruit into a large pot. Cover with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
2. Drain and mash: Drain breadfruit and return to pot. Add plant milk and vegan butter (or coconut oil).
3. Season and mash: Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash with a potato masher or blend with an immersion blender until creamy.
4. Garnish and serve: Top with chopped chives or parsley before serving.

“Breadfruit can be a bit sticky when peeling and cutting. Lightly oil your hands and knife for easier handling!”

Tips & Variations

• Ripeness matters: For savory recipes, choose firm, green breadfruit. Ripe breadfruit is sweeter and better for desserts.
• Make it spicy: Add a diced chili or a pinch of cayenne to the curry for extra heat.
• Switch up greens: Swap spinach or kale in the curry for collard greens or even Swiss chard.
• Herb it up: Try adding fresh thyme or basil to mashed breadfruit for a flavor twist.
• Oil-free option: For fries, skip the oil and use parchment paper, but note they’ll be less crispy.
• Meal prep: All these recipes store well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
• Try new dips: Serve breadfruit fries with Creamy Vegan Avocado Dip or Spicy Roasted Pepper Hummus.

Nutrition Facts

Below is a general estimate for one serving of each recipe when using a medium-sized breadfruit (serves 4):

Values are approximate and will vary by breadfruit size and exact ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair Breadfruit Curry with Fluffy Coconut Rice or quinoa for a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Serve Crispy Breadfruit Fries as a side with veggie burgers or as a delicious snack with your favorite dips.
• Creamy Mashed Breadfruit makes a great base for grilled vegetables, vegan sausages, or mushroom gravy.
• For a tropical twist, top mashed breadfruit with roasted sweet peppers or caramelized onions.
• Leftover curry can be wrapped in flatbread or used to stuff bell peppers for a next-day lunch.

Conclusion

If you’ve never cooked with breadfruit before, these vegan recipes are the perfect introduction! Breadfruit’s subtle flavor and comforting texture make it a superb canvas for a world of plant-based dishes.

With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can transform this tropical gem into a variety of nourishing, satisfying meals. Whether you choose a creamy curry, crispy fries, or fluffy mash, you’ll be amazed at how breadfruit elevates your vegan kitchen repertoire.

Don’t forget to experiment with your own seasonings and pairings—breadfruit is delightfully forgiving and fun to cook with. Let me know which recipe you love most, and be sure to check out more delicious vegan ideas on the blog!

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