Vegan Pulled "Pork" (BBQ Jackfruit)

The secret (protein) is in the sauce...

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cans young jackfruit
• 2 cups water
• 1 vegetable stock cube
• 1 Tbsp olive oil

 For the BBQ sauce:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 small onion
• 1/4 cup soluble protein powder (hemp or other)
• 1 tsp liquid smoke
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/8 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp crushed chilli (or adjust to desired heat level)

 DIRECTIONS:

1. Rinse the jackfruit well, drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil before adding the stock cube and stir until well dissolved.
3. Add the jackfruit, lower the heat and simmer until most of the water is absorbed (about 25 minutes).
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
5. Gently crush the jackfruit pieces with a potato masher or the bottom of a soup ladle to achieve a “pulled pork” texture.
6. Add the olive or avocado oil and stir until jackfruit is lightly coated.
7. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes turning over once.
8. Meanwhile, put all of the BBQ sauce ingredients in a saucepan and blend well.
9. Bring the sauce to a quick boil and take away from heat.
10. Remove the jackfruit from the oven, transfer to a large mixing bowl (or the large saucepan used previously) and add the sauce, stirring well.
11. Return the jackfruit to the baking sheet and bake for another 10 minutes, turning over once.

Enjoy your vegan pulled pork on bread or baked potato, or use as a filling for tacos, burritos or patties.