| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 11g | 2g | 48g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 4g | 9g | 1.5g |
From the heart of Creole culture, with its rich, spicy cuisine, to the elegance of French culinary delights, I’ve always loved blending different flavors to create something unique and delicious. Among all the recipes I’ve worked with, the Jackfruit Vegan Margherita Pizza holds a special place in my heart.
An Iconic Fare with a Vegan Spin
The Jackfruit Vegan Margherita Pizza is a twist on the classic Margherita, originally birthed in Naples, Italy. Traditionally adorned with the colors of the Italian flag – blistered red tomatoes, fresh white mozzarella, and vibrant green basil – this pizza has been adored the world over for its simplicity yet explosion of flavors. But here, we’re giving it a vegan overhaul, swapping out traditional ingredients for plant-based alternatives that deliver on taste, without sacrificing on the health benefits.
A Delicious Meet-Up of Health and Taste
The star ingredient of this recipe, jackfruit, is known for its remarkable versatility in vegan cuisine. Rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, it can mimic the texture of pulled pork when young and green, making it an excellent stand-in for traditional meat toppings. And let’s not forget the importance of the tomato sauce providing lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and the olive oil—a source of monounsaturated fats, essential for heart health. Every bite of this pizza is a nod to a healthier, happier lifestyle.
This pizza would pair wonderfully with a light cucumber salad or a hearty lentil soup, making for a complete, vegan-friendly meal that’s as satisfying as it is guilt-free.
Whipping up this Jackfruit Vegan Margherita Pizza is not only a journey into a world of untapped flavors but a testament to how versatile, exciting, and accessible vegan cooking can be. It’s one of those classics that’d become a staple in your kitchen in no time.
What You’ll Need
- 1 large pizza dough
- 1 can (20 oz) young green jackfruit in brine, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and let your pizza dough rise according to the package instructions.
Step Two
While the dough is rising, prepare the jackfruit. Drain and rinse the jackfruit, then pat it dry and pull it apart with your fingers to create a shredded texture. Mix it with olive oil, garlic powder, chili flakes, liquid smoke, salt and pepper in a bowl, ensuring that each piece is well coated with the seasoning.
Step Three
Once the dough has risen, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about a 1/2 inch thickness. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased pizza stone or baking sheet.
Step Four
Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, ensuring that you leave a border for the crust. Sprinkle a layer of shredded vegan mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Step Five
Distribute the seasoned jackfruit evenly over the cheese and top with tomato slices. Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired.
Step Six
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Step Seven
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before topping it with fresh basil leaves. Cut into slices and serve while hot. Enjoy your delicious Jackfruit Vegan Margherita Pizza!
