INGREDIENTS
For the jackfruit chunks:
900 g raw fresh jackfruit
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon oregano
3/4 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika or chili powder (as per preference)
1/2 tablespoon rock salt or sea salt
1 1/2 oranges
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce or liquid aminos
For the salad:
5 cups leafy greens/lettuce
1 ripe avocado
1 cup tomatoes (cherry tomatoes or regular ones)
2/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/3 cup pumpkin seeds (optional)
For the dressing:
2 cups fresh cilantro
1/4 cup lime juice
2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon rock salt or sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
METHOD
To cook the jackfruit chunks:
- Juice 1 1/2 oranges, and set aside.
- For the marinade, mix together the herbs and spices, salt, orange and lime juices, and soy sauce with 2/3 cup water in a mixing bowl.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the jackfruit and marinade. Give it a good stir, then reduce the heat to low-medium. Cover the pot and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom, until golden brown. Allow to cool.
- Wash the leafy greens/lettuce and drain the water. Tear the greens/lettuce into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Slice the avocado lengthwise all the way around, twist the halved avocado, remove the stone, peel it, and slice it into wedges.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes into halves or regular tomatoes into pieces.
- Wash the cilantro leaves, drain the water, and roughly chop them.
- Combine all the ingredients in a large salad bowl, drizzle evenly with the salad dressing, and toss until evenly combined.
- In a food processor, add the cilantro leaves, lime juice, honey/maple syrup, coriander powder, pepper, and salt; pulse to combine.
- Pour in the olive oil and process until smooth.
Tip: For a creamy dressing, blend in 1 avocado or ½ cup plain yogurt/curd.
To serve:
Put the salad in a large bowl, pour over the dressing, and gently combine. Top the salad with the jackfruit chunks. Serve immediately and enjoy!