The Spicy Spatula

It’s Spring which means that there are two vegan dishes that are on a steady rotation in my household. Salad and sandwiches. I know, I know, to some it might sound boring but to me it sounds like warm weather and fun.

Sandwiches are so versatile. You can use pretty much anything you want inside the sandwich. Don’t believe me? Check out this Mushroom Reuben Sandwich or this delicious Pickled Carrot & Pesto Sandwich! Weird but delightful, I promise.

Anyway back to sandwiches. They can be hot or cold, fresh or cooked, canned or however else you like your sandwiches. And then the bread! Bagels, rolls, buns, slices, wraps and then you can even make it an open-faced sandwich.

What’s not to like?

I’ve been experimenting with jackfruit whenever I can find it and after watching a Family Ties clip on YouTube, I was suddenly in the mood for Alex P. Keaton and Sloppy Joes. Since I’m in Romania and Alex is a fictional character, it’s just me and good ol’ Joe.

Jackfruit Sloppy Joes are easy to make and you can make it bigger batch to freeze or serve it over rice or nachos for a second meal.

Kitchen Tools:

*Skillet
*Wooden spoon
*Cutting board

Ingredients:

*Jackfruit (drained & rinsed)
*Onion
*Bell pepper
*Salt & pepper
*Crushed tomatoes
*Red pepper paste
*Hot chili pepper sauce
*Agave syrup or brown sugar
*Water or broth
*Apple cider vinegar

Directions:

*Drain & rinse the jackfruit. If you need to, soak it in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes to get rid of that canned smell. Let it dry and season it with salt, white pepper, oregano, cumin, paprika and garlic. Toss until coated.

*Add onion and bell pepper to a skillet over medium heat. Cook 5 to 7 minutes or until brown and fragrant. Add water or broth if you want an oil free vegan recipe or oil if you don’t.

*Stir in jackfruit and let it cook for a few minutes, until it starts to look as if it’s browning.

*Add tomatoes, pepper paste, water, agave and vinegar. Stir until coated and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.

*Taste for seasoning.

*Warm up your burger buns (optional)

*Make your sandwich!

*Optional vegan add-ons: jalapeno peppers, vegan slaw, cheese, hot sauce, ketchup

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