Are you searching for a delicious, wholesome way to enjoy breadfruit that also happens to be vegan and full of tropical flavor? Look no further!
Today, we’re diving into a collection of breadfruit recipes with coconut milk that celebrate the natural creaminess of this versatile fruit. Whether you’re new to breadfruit or a longtime fan, these recipes provide a taste of Caribbean comfort food—entirely plant-based and absolutely satisfying.
Breadfruit, with its soft, potato-like texture and subtle sweetness, pairs wonderfully with the rich, silky notes of coconut milk. These recipes are perfect for cozy family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests with something authentically tropical.
From savory stews to creamy soups and even a delightful curry, you’ll discover how easy it is to bring a touch of island magic to your vegan kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Plant-Based Goodness: All recipes are 100% vegan, making them suitable for everyone seeking a dairy-free, wholesome meal.
- Rich in Nutrients: Breadfruit is a powerhouse of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while coconut milk adds healthy fats and a creamy texture.
- Comforting and Satisfying: These recipes are hearty enough for lunch or dinner, providing lasting energy and satisfaction.
- Easy to Customize: You can adapt the spices and veggies to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry.
- Delightfully Exotic: Bring bold, Caribbean-inspired flavors to your table without complicated techniques.
Ingredients
Breadfruit Coconut Stew | Breadfruit Coconut Curry | Breadfruit & Coconut Soup |
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Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife for breadfruit and vegetables
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle (for serving soup and stew)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Peeler (for breadfruit and carrots)
- Blender (optional, for extra creamy soup)
Instructions
Breadfruit Coconut Stew
- Prep the breadfruit: Peel, core, and cube the breadfruit. Rinse well and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant and onions are translucent.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the carrot, bell pepper, and breadfruit cubes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, letting the veggies soften slightly.
- Season: Sprinkle in thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices.
- Simmer: Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the breadfruit is soft and the stew is thickened.
- Finish: Add spinach in the last 5 minutes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and enjoy!
Breadfruit Coconut Curry
- Prepare the breadfruit: Peel and cube breadfruit as above.
- Sauté: Heat a bit of oil in a pot. Add onion, garlic, ginger, and chili (if using). Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Curry base: Stir in curry powder and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to bring out flavors.
- Add breadfruit & chickpeas: Toss in breadfruit cubes and chickpeas. Stir well to coat with spices.
- Simmer: Pour in coconut milk and vegetable stock. Simmer, covered, for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until breadfruit is fork-tender.
- Finish: Squeeze in lime juice, taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy with rice or flatbread.
Breadfruit & Coconut Soup
- Prep ingredients: Peel, core, and chop breadfruit. Peel and cube potato and carrot.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add vegetables: Add breadfruit, potato, and carrot. Sprinkle with cumin and turmeric. Stir for 2-3 minutes.
- Simmer: Pour in coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes until all veggies are tender.
- Blend (optional): For a creamy soup, use an immersion blender to blend until smooth, or leave chunky for a rustic texture.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips & Variations
- Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or fresh Scotch bonnet pepper for a Caribbean kick.
- Boost protein: Stir in tofu, tempeh, or extra chickpeas for added plant-based protein.
- Leafy greens: Kale, collard greens, or Swiss chard are great swaps for spinach.
- Make it creamy: Blend half of the stew or soup for a luscious, creamy texture, then stir the chunky portion back in.
- Batch cook: These recipes freeze beautifully—perfect for meal planning.
- Root veggies: Swap carrots for sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or parsnips for seasonal variation.
- Try different herbs: Fresh basil or parsley can add a new dimension of flavor.
“Breadfruit absorbs flavor beautifully—don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice blends and herbs!”
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition will vary slightly by recipe and serving size, but here’s an average for one serving (about 1.5 cups) of breadfruit coconut stew:
Nutrient | Amount |
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Calories | 285 |
Carbohydrates | 41g |
Protein | 4g |
Fat | 13g |
Fiber | 7g |
Sodium | 480mg |
Vitamin C | 35% DV |
Calcium | 6% DV |
Iron | 14% DV |
Note: These values are estimates based on generic ingredients. For maximum accuracy, use a nutrition calculator with your actual brands and quantities.
Serving Suggestions
- With Rice: Serve any of these breadfruit coconut dishes over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a complete meal.
- With Flatbread: Pair with warm roti, naan, or other flatbreads to scoop up the creamy goodness.
- As a Side: Serve as a hearty side dish to grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Garnish: Top with extra herbs, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for visual and flavor appeal.
- Family-Style: Place the pot on the table and let everyone serve themselves for a relaxed, communal meal.
“Breadfruit with coconut milk is even better the next day—let the flavors meld overnight for an incredible leftover lunch!”
Conclusion
Exploring breadfruit recipes with coconut milk (vegan) unlocks a world of flavor, nutrition, and comfort. These Caribbean-inspired dishes are not only satisfying and nourishing, but they’re also flexible and beginner-friendly.
Whether you make a creamy stew, a warming curry, or a soothing soup, each dish celebrates the creamy, starchy nature of breadfruit and the luxurious texture of coconut milk.
We hope these recipes inspire you to try breadfruit in new ways and share these tropical delights with friends and family. For more delicious vegan inspiration, check out our Ultimate Vegan Lentil Soup, One-Pot Chickpea Curry, and Caribbean Sweet Potato Stew.
Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with warmth and adventure!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Breadfruit in Coconut Milk
Description: A creamy, comforting Caribbean-inspired dish featuring tender breadfruit simmered in rich coconut milk. Perfect as a vegan main or hearty side.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium breadfruit (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and scallions; sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in breadfruit cubes and turmeric, coating well.
- Add coconut milk, water, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until breadfruit is tender.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 340 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 44g
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