Elevate Your Brunch with Cajun Jackfruit & Grits
Hey foodies! If you’re looking to shake up your meal routine with something quick and delicious, that’s a plant-based twist on an Atlanta staple, I’ve got just the recipe for you. Today, we’re diving into the soulful flavors of the South with a vegan twist that will leave everyone at your table asking for seconds. Say hello to **Cajun Jackfruit & Grits**—your new favorite dish for a fast weeknight meal or a lavish weekend brunch.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
First off, this recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. With jackfruit confit, which comes pre-seasoned and boasts a wonderful texture, half the work is done for you. It’s the kind of convenience that doesn’t skimp on taste, making this dish a real winner when you’re pressed for time.
The Magic of Jackfruit Confit
Nature’s Charm jackfruit confit is a marvel in the world of whole food meat substitutes. While most jackfruit recipes require tedious preparation, jackfruit confit comes perfectly stewed and seasoned, ready to be transformed into any dish —in this case, a robust Cajun recipe that lends just the right amount of kick. It’s a product that works wonders, particularly when you want a plant-based protein that stands up to bold spices.
Bringing It All Together
Let’s talk about the base of this dish—creamy, dreamy grits. Made with stone-ground grits, rich vegetable broth, evaporated coconut milk, and melty vegan cheddar, each spoonful is a cozy hug for your taste buds. The addition of vegan butter and a sprinkle of garlic brings a homey warmth that elevates the grits from simple to simply irresistible.
Cooking Made Simple
Here’s how we whip this up—start by melting some vegan butter in a pot and sautéing minced garlic just until it’s fragrant. Toss in your grits, along with the liquid gold of coconut milk and vegetable broth, seasoning it to perfection. A generous amount of vegan cheddar turns this into a cheesy delight that cooks to perfection in about 20 minutes.
While your grits are bubbling away, prepare the jackfruit. Slicing it into bite-sized pieces and coating it with Cajun spice, then a quick sauté in a bit of vegan butter brings out a deliciously crispy exterior that’s packed with flavor. The savory, spicy jackfruit paired with the creamy grits creates a harmony of textures and tastes that’s truly mouthwatering.
Serve It Up!
To serve, ladle the grits into bowls, top with the spicy jackfruit, a little extra cheese, and a sprinkle of finely diced chives for a pop of color and freshness. It’s a dish meant to be enjoyed hot, steaming, and right after plating to savor all the melty, cheesy goodness.
Perfect Any Time of Day
Whether it’s a quick dinner after a long day or a special brunch to impress, these Cajun Jackfruit & Grits are just what you need to bring a little Southern flair to your table in just 30 minutes. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor and ease that everyone, vegan or not, will appreciate.
So, tie on your apron, and let’s get cooking! This dish isn’t just food; it’s a story of flavors waiting to be told at your table. Enjoy the cooking journey, and even more, enjoy the raves you’ll get from this scrumptious dish. Bon appétit, or as we like to say down South, “Laissez les bons temps rouler”—let the good times roll!
For more fabulous Southern vegan brunch recipes, try my Vegan Sweet Potato Pancakes or my Vegan Butterscotch Bourbon Bread Pudding!
- 2 tbsp vegan butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cups stone ground grits
- 2½ cups vegetable broth
- 1 can evaporated coconut milk
- 1 cup shredded vegan cheddar, + more for garnish
- salt and pepper
- 1 can jackfruit confit
- 3 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp chives, finely diced
- Melt 1 tbsp butter in a medium pot over medium high heat. Saute the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the grits, evaporated coconut milk, broth, salt, pepper, and cheese. Stir well. Cover and reduce heat to medium low. Cook for 20 minutes, lifting the lid occasionally to stir well, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon.
- Drain the jackfruit confit. Slice the jackfruit into bite sized pieces. Coat each piece in cajun seasoning. Melt 1 tbsp butter In a saute pan over medium high heat. Cook the jackfruit for 1-2 minutes on each side.
- Ladle the grits into serving bowls. Top with more cheese, cajun jackfruit, and chives. Serve right away.
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