| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 367 | 15.2g | 4.1g | 48.5g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 13.5g | 6.5g | 13g | 1.19g |
Every recipe has its own unique story and the tale behind my Jackfruit Pulled Pork Pizza is one steeped in flavors and cultures that span the Atlantic. This delightful fusion of Southern BBQ and the exotic robustness of West African cuisine, is a symphony of flavors bursting to life with each bite.
Unraveling the Flavors
For those who are unfamiliar with the star ingredient of this dish, jackfruit, it’s a tropical delight that wears many culinary hats. It serves as a meat substitute and adds a wonderful sweetness and depth to dishes when cooked correctly. The ‘pulled pork’ texture it acquires when cooked in your favorite BBQ sauce is revelatory and fools even the staunchest carnivores into thinking they’re biting into a chunk of well-seasoned meat, minus the pork element, of course.
The marriage of this sensational ingredient with a homemade pizza crust topped with bell peppers, a dash of smoked paprika, and a sprinkling of dairy-free mozzarella cheese sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. This Jackfruit Pulled Pork Pizza goes above and beyond the call of flavor duty, delivering a one-two punch of great taste and nutritional benefits in each slice.
The Health Side Up
Jackfruit, nature’s well-kept secret, is a powerhouse of nutritional benefits. It’s a great source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, and having it as the star of the meal ensures you’re partaking in a dish that’s not only delicious but also contributes to a balanced diet [source]. All the vegetables incorporated into the topping – red, yellow, and green bell peppers – are packed with vitamins and antioxidants as well. In keeping with my commitment to healthy and accessible eating, the cheese used in this recipe is dairy-free, making it friendly for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a vegan diet.
Reminiscent of the traditional BBQ pizzas popular in the South, this Jackfruit Pulled Pork Pizza draws parallels with its more meat-focused counterparts, yet lends its own unique twist. It’s a joy to prepare and a delight to eat, offering something for every palate. It would pair beautifully with a fresh garden salad, oven-baked sweet potato fries, or a glass of sparkling wine for an indulgent touch.
Embark on a culinary journey and experience the vibrant fusion of Afro-Sothern delights with this recipe. I promise, it will leave you craving for another slice!
What You’ll Need
- 1 pre-made pizza crust (approximately 12 inches)
- 1 can (20 ounces) young green jackfruit in water
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups dairy-free mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 handful fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible. While your oven is preheating, drain and rinse the jackfruit. Then, in a large bowl, mix together the jackfruit with 1/2 cup of the barbecue sauce.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced red onion, green pepper, red pepper, yellow pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these vegetables until they start to soften.
Step Three
Add the seasoned jackfruit to the pan, along with the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the jackfruit is easily broken apart into shreds, resembling pulled pork.
Step Four
Place your pre-made pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread the remaining barbecue sauce evenly over the crust. Then, distribute the jackfruit and vegetable mixture evenly over the pizza crust.
Step Five
Sprinkle the shredded dairy-free mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the toppings. Then, place the pizza in the preheated oven. Bake the pizza until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step Six
Once your pizza is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. After cooling, garnish your pizza with fresh cilantro leaves. Slice your pizza and serve it warm. Enjoy!
