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Vegan Jamaican Ackee Saltfish: A Delicious Plant-Based Twist on a Classic Dish


  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Savor a vegan rendition of a Jamaican favorite with this Ackee and Jackfruit recipe. Featuring creamy ackee and savory jackfruit, it’s loaded with colorful vegetables and spices, making it a delightful meal for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can of ackee (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup of jackfruit (young, canned or fresh, shredded)
  • 1 medium onion (sliced)
  • 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
  • 1 bell pepper (sliced, any color)
  • 2 green onions (chopped)
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (whole, for flavor, optional)
  • 1 teaspoon of thyme (dried or fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon of allspice (ground)
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (or any vegetable oil)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh lime or lemon juice (for serving)
  • Cooked rice or festival (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Drain and Rinse the Ackee: Open the can of ackee, drain the liquid, and rinse under cold water. Set aside in a bowl.
  2. Prepare the Jackfruit: If using canned jackfruit, drain and rinse it. For fresh jackfruit, peel, remove seeds, and shred into pieces resembling fish.
  3. Chop the Vegetables: Slice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and chop the green onions. Leave the Scotch bonnet pepper whole.
  4. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add sliced onion and bell pepper, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  5. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, thyme, and allspice. Cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
  6. Incorporate the Jackfruit: Add shredded jackfruit to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes to absorb flavors.
  7. Add the Ackee: Gently fold in the ackee and add the whole Scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  8. Season the Dish: Pour in soy sauce or tamari, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove Scotch bonnet if desired.
  9. Finish with Green Onions: Stir in chopped green onions just before serving.
  10. Prepare the Plate: Cook rice or festival while the ackee and jackfruit mixture is cooking.
  11. Serve the Dish: Spoon the mixture onto a plate of rice or alongside festival. Squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice over the top.
  12. Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally, sprinkle fresh herbs on top and enjoy your vegan Jamaican ackee saltfish!

Notes

  • For a more “fishy” flavor, consider adding a pinch of seaweed flakes or a splash of liquid smoke when incorporating the jackfruit.
  • Adjust the spice level by removing the Scotch bonnet pepper before serving if you prefer a milder dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes