Jackfruit — meat for vegetarians

It’s the jack of all fruits, and we are not saying that lightly, as this yellow, sweet fruit has the rare distinction of being able to mock meat. And not in a hilarious way, but in the most basic sense as it has gained favour with chefs looking to replicate the texture of meat.

A tale of jackfruit biryani and baos

While many would avoid this fruit for its strong smell, chefs saw potential in it and decided to tap into it. While some tried using it as a filling in baos and burgers, chef Sudhir Pai, executive chef, Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport has used it both in kebabs and to prepare a biryani. He says, “We have two popular dishes Kathal Biryani and Kathal Kebab that are listed as veg options. Jackfruit blends well in meat masala and Kathal Biryani is a great product from Lucknow. The Nawabs were known to savour it on a no meat day.” Executive chef, Manav Koul from Sofitel Mumbai BKC, agrees and adds, “When one makes the choice of substituting meat for jackfruit, it’s usually due to dietary restrictions or because of religious reasons. Besides, some prefer using it in dishess because the taste of the flesh resembles that of chicken when cooked.”

It’s meat for vegetarians

And while non-vegetarians may raise a brow when informed about a fruit that mocks meat to create a palate pleaser,  there are other reasons too why this fruit seems to have gained favour with chefs. Farrokh Khambata, who heads the catering services at Joss, attributes it to its texture. He adds, “The Kathal ke Kebab are our vegetarian specialty and is a hit because jackfruit acts as the ideal meat substitute due to its texture and also due to the fact that it is high in dietary fibre. Mixed with subtle spices like cumin and coriander seeds, these kebabs are lightly roasted on a pan and served.” It’s meat for vegetarians according to chef Rohan Malwankar of Seven Kitchen. He adds, “While jackfruit is widely consumed in its raw form, when boiled with coconut and Indian spices it makes for a robust dish that stays true to its Indian roots. It’s also widely known as meat for vegetarians.” It can be used in different ways as a filling for burgers, baos, grilled as a kebab and even as an addition to biryanis and curries.

Jackfruit is the new kale

And while we marvel at its transformation from raw to cooked dishes, you would also be surprisedto know that many regard it as a superfood just like kale. Chef De Cuisine, Clyde Comello of Theory, shares why. He says, “Raw jackfruit is a superfood, as its seed is rich in protein. While the flesh of this fruit is rich in body cleansing fibre that not only fills you up but also gives it a bite due to its texture.” The fact that it can be shredded, pulled or minced works for chefs giving them a chance to experiment with it for a select crowd who are looking for tasty vegan or vegetarian options. 

It’s not everyday that you can claim to have plant-based protein that tastes as good as meat.