Jackfruit Veggie Ball Tacos or Subs. Use these “meatballs” anywhere! Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, yeast-free, nut-free recipe.
Jackfruit has been the in thing for a while this year. Shredded young jackfruit, smothered in any thick sauces like bbq, served with the toppings of choice! Jackfruit, also called “Kathal” in hindi has been used in many forms in Indian food. It was already called the vegetarian meat way back when Mom would make a jackfruit based saucy curry. This humble vegetable is getting its due.
I wanted to use jackfruit in some other form, so I made it into these veggie balls! Just 2 main ingredients. Jackfruit and chickpea flour, plus of course loads of spices. Serve these with marinara or other sauces and melt some vegan cheese over it!
Young green jackfruit pieces are boiled in water with some spices to soften and infuse with flavor. Then they are shredded and mixed with roasted chickpea flour, more spices, garlic and ginger and made into balls. These balls can be pan fried or baked. I prefer the pan fried as they stay more moist. I was out of sub sandwiches, so I made these into tacos. These Jackfruit balls made fantastic veggie ball subs, or veggie balls to serve over pasta and more.
More fun recipes from the blog
- Vegan Tinga bowl with Hearts of Palm, Chickpeas, Spanish…
- Vegan Mummy Dogs. Veggie Potato Masala Cutlets Recipe
- Pulled Butternut Squash Tacos. Vegan Glutenfree Recipe
Oh yes “meatballs”. The most often searched term even if searching for veggie version is “veggie meatball” not veggie ball. These certain terms have to be used to get people to the post. So everyone vegan or not can find a veggie ball recipe! Meat doesn’t mean animal. Its a term also used for any internal stuff of other things, like coconut meat.
Have you all heard of Brush with Bamboo? Brush with bamboo is an eco-friendly toothbrush with bio-degradable bamboo handles, bpa free bristles, and completely compostable packaging.
Over 4.7 billion plastic toothbrushes that will never biodegrade are dumped in landfills and oceans every year worldwide! These toothbrushes and parts pose a huge plastic pollution problem for the environment. We use so many brushes in our lifetime, that this one change to a sustainable eco friendly option will make a difference.
Today, the amazing team at Brush with Bamboo is giving away a bunch of brushes to the blog readers (US only)! 4 winners will each get a 2 pack set of brushes! to Enter, please leave a comment on the post about your opinion on plastic brushes. Ends July 1
You can also buy some right now! Use code “veganricha” on brushwithbamboo.com to get 10% off + Free Shipping on your order!! Or find a local retailer here.
Meanwhile, we continue with the regular post of these fantastic jackfruit balls.
Jackfruit Meatballs Tacos
Ingredients
For the jackfruit:
- 20 oz (566.99 g) can jackfruit drained (green jackfruit in brine), or about 2 cups pelled chopped green jackfruit
- 2 cups (500 ml) water
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 tsp (0.25 tsp) salt
- 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) garlic powder
For the Veggie balls:
- 1 cup (120 g) chickpea flour
- 1 hot green chili finely chopped or use cayenne to taste
- 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) garam masala
- 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) paprika
- 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) cumin powder
- 1/3 to 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp finely chopped mint optional or cilantro, or use 1/2 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi)
- 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) lemon juice
- 1.5 tbsp garlic paste or crushed garlic
- 1 tbsp ginger paste or grated ginger
- 1 tsp oil + more as needed
Instructions
- For the jackfruit: Combine all the ingredients (jackfruit + water + spices) in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium high heat. about 6 minutes. Cook for another 6 to 7 minutes. Total 14 minutes.
- Cool slightly, drain and keep aside.
- For the Veggie Balls: Meanwhile, dry roast 1 cup of chickpea flour in a large skillet over medium low heat. Stir every 2 minutes. about 7 to 8 minutes. or dry roast over medium heat and stir every 30 seconds to avoid burning. 4 to 5 minutes. The flour should start to smell nutty and change color slightly. Keep aside.
- Using a fork or a food processor shred the boiled and drained jackfruit. Add the spices, ginger, garlic, oil and mix well. Add 3/4 cup chickpea flour and mix well. Add a tbsp flour at a time until the mixture starts to come together, not too sticky, but also not dry. Oil your hands and Shape the mixture by pressing lightly into 1 inch balls.
- To pan fry, add 1 to 2 tsp oil in a skillet and heat over medium high heat. When hot, add the jackfruit balls and pan fry for 1-2 minutes on all sides. (total 6 to 7 minutes).
- To Bake: Preheat the oven to 410 degrees F / 210ºc. Place the shaped balls on parchment lined baking sheet. Brush oil on top. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes.
- I like these balls pan-fried. Serve with marinara and vegan mozzarella in sub sandwich or tacos or over pasta.
Notes
Nutrition
We are giving away Brush with Bamboo toothbrushes on this post to 4 people(US only)! To Enter, please leave a comment on the post about your opinion on plastic brushes.
You can buy some to use right now! Use code “veganricha” on brushwithbamboo.com to get 10% off + Free Shipping on your order.
Christa Oldsberg says
June 23, 2015 at 1:50 pmI just learned something new! I’ve never considered the impact plastic toothbrushes
have nor did I know they made bamboo ones. Yay!
Sheila says
June 23, 2015 at 2:27 pmI do not like the wastefulness of plastic toothbrushes, but I did not realize you could get a bamboo toothbrush. I would be interested in seeing what the bristles are like.
Cyndi says
June 23, 2015 at 2:52 pmWhat happens to my toothbrush never occurred to me. I would definitely use a bamboo one. It might seem like a small step, but small steps add to big steps.
Samantha says
June 23, 2015 at 3:03 pmPlastic toothbrushes have always been the norm but I hope bamboo and other biodegradable ones become the norm!
Marie says
June 23, 2015 at 3:37 pmI just learned about bamboo tooth brushes a few weeks ago. I saw them for the first time in the store and was curious. Sounds like a much more environmentally sound choice.
Cynthia says
June 23, 2015 at 4:07 pmIf a degradable alternative to plastic is available, I’m all for it. Thanks for the information and the giveaway!
DJ says
June 23, 2015 at 4:08 pmPlastic toothbrushes are so wasteful. I am glad that there are other options. These brushes are very affordable as well!
Jill says
June 23, 2015 at 4:10 pmI’m glad better choices are becoming more widely available! I still have plastic toothbrushes because I had bought a bunch on sale a couple years ago but am eager to make the switch to something better for the environment. Would love to try these out.
Stevie says
June 23, 2015 at 4:12 pmPlastic toothbrush create such waste, these bamboo ones seem great!
jenna wingate says
June 23, 2015 at 4:14 pmFirst time I have heard of bamboo brushes! I am pleased to know there is a better option than plastic and would really love to try them!
Josiane says
June 23, 2015 at 4:25 pmI’m not a fan of plastic toothbrushes, for exactly the reasons you stated in your post. Really happy to see more alternatives are becoming available!
Those meatballs sound amazing! This is the recipe that is finally going to make me look for jackfruit next time I go shopping for groceries…
And by the way, I’ve just received your cookbook. It looks awesome, and I’m looking forward to trying many, many of your recipes!
Janet says
June 23, 2015 at 4:26 pmBamboo toothbrushes sound like a great idea! Never knew they existed and always took the plastic handled brushes for granted.
Susan says
June 23, 2015 at 4:30 pmI think it’s a great idea to look for plastic toothbrush alternatives! Go Brush with Bamboo!
Amy says
June 23, 2015 at 4:35 pmI have never had a bamboo toothbrush, but I will have to get one after reading this and finding out they are available! So much better for the environment than the ones I have been using!
Emilia Romero says
June 23, 2015 at 4:41 pmWhere can I found the fresh jackfruit? I live in Southern California. Thanks!
Emilia Romero says
June 23, 2015 at 4:43 pmWhere could I found the fresh jackfruit? I live in Southern California. Thanks!
Richa says
June 23, 2015 at 5:05 pmyou might find the fresh or canned jackfruit in asian stores.
Lynsie says
April 22, 2016 at 12:26 pmAny Asian market in the can year round, and winter months I hear for the fresh
Sally says
June 23, 2015 at 4:53 pmYay for bamboo brushes!!!
Keep things out of landfills!
Cassie Tran says
June 23, 2015 at 4:54 pmJackfruit?!?! Sounds wacky but delicious!
Chris T. says
June 23, 2015 at 4:59 pmI don’t like that plastic toothbrushes are still the norm. It is so bad for the environment. I still have a couple plastic ones to go through unfortunately, but after that I am switching to options that are better for the planet. I think these ones with bamboo handles are awesome!
Sheree britt says
June 23, 2015 at 5:14 pmWe just finished watching a movie on the plastic island. Ever since we have been eliminating all plastic we can from our home. Tooth brushes are something we never thought about!
Monica says
June 23, 2015 at 5:23 pmBamboo! Awesome. I buy
recycled plastic toothbrushes but bamboo is better.
Natalie says
June 23, 2015 at 5:36 pmI’ve used plastic toothbrushes for years;I never knew bamboo ones existed . I would like to try them.
Melissa Maedgen says
June 23, 2015 at 5:47 pmThe bamboo brushes are beautiful, and I want one! I have not thought that much about my toothbrushes, just generally using what my dentist gives me, which is, of course, a plastic brush. When I’ve had to buy one, I’ve never seen such an eco-friendly option.
Mae says
June 23, 2015 at 6:07 pmI have heard so much about jackfruit but have yet to try it. What is the texture like? I never thought about how many toothbrushes must pile up in landfills, and never biodegrade! Thank you for introducing me to Brush with Bamboo…I think I’ll never buy a plastic toothbrush again!
Jacky says
June 23, 2015 at 6:19 pmI never even thought about the sustainability of plastic brushes to be honest!
Becca F says
June 23, 2015 at 6:28 pmI usually get them for free at the dentist or buy recycled plastic ones.. I just bought a bamboo one and hopefully will like them and make the switch
Sandra W. says
June 23, 2015 at 7:03 pmI have never thought about a toothbrush that way, but now that I have been enlightened, I would love to have a bamboo brush. Every bit counts!
Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway opportunity.
jessica z says
June 23, 2015 at 7:13 pmWe try to minimize our use of plastic in this house. I never knew there were alternatives to plastic toothbrushes.. how cool!
naila says
June 23, 2015 at 7:44 pmI would totally love to switch to bamboo brushes! I never even thought of this as being an option but I’d definitely make the effort to do so!
jacquie says
June 23, 2015 at 7:56 pmi never even considered the burden of plastic toothbrushes before reading your post – thanks for making me conscious of it and aware that there are alternatives.
Amanda @ Sweets and Greens says
June 23, 2015 at 7:58 pmI’m in Australia, so can’t enter but I love my bamboo toothbrushes.
I had no idea what jackfruit even was until I read this – I’ve made walnut and mushroom tacos, but will have to find some jackfruit to give this a try.
safira says
June 23, 2015 at 7:59 pmI just ordered my bamboo toothbrush set along with bamboo straws! Thank you Richa for the website and the discount code! Yay! Looking forward to using my bamboo brushes and straws. I’m a conscious consumer always seeking ways to reduce environmental waste by using eco-friendly products. At the moment, I am using Radius Source toothbrush, which is also vegan and made in a eco-friendly facility. You just replace the heads instead of the entire toothbrush when it’s time to replace the brush. However, I don’t mind having variety and alternatives as I love bamboo. Great to have more vegan products out there!
kelsey says
June 24, 2015 at 5:44 amnever even realized there was an alternative! Great way to reduce my waste!
Deanne O says
June 24, 2015 at 6:11 amSO excited to see toothbrushes made out of something else other than non recyclable plastic!!
Alison H. says
June 24, 2015 at 6:59 amWow! I never even considered what happens to our plastic toothbrushes! No more plastic!
lazysmurf says
June 24, 2015 at 7:00 amThose meatballs look very intersteting! I don’t think I’ve seen anyone else do that with jackfruit, great idea! I’d love to win those toothbrushes. My plastic one needs replacing and I was thinking I shouldn’t do plastic anymore.
Ashley says
June 24, 2015 at 7:16 amYou are brilliant! I’m always amazed by jackfruit, but I’ve only used it as a shredded, sauce-delivering device when veganizing dishes. I love the idea of incorporating it into veggie balls. So creative!
Erin Ellis says
June 24, 2015 at 7:39 amI would much rather start my day with bamboo than plastic. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
Erin
ErinLoves2Run at gmail dot com
Kristen W says
June 24, 2015 at 8:15 amLike so many things taken for granted, I hadn’t considered the impact of plastic brushes. I’ve always re-used them for household cleaning, but ultimately they end up in the trash. Now that I’ve read about it, there’s no looking back. Switching for life. Love your recipes and blog! Trying this one stat!
Karen D says
June 24, 2015 at 8:40 amI try not to eat or drink from plastic-wares whenever possible, so I prefer not to brush with plastic.
Nina says
June 24, 2015 at 10:34 amI don’t have the faintest idea what jackfruit is!? I don’t know what it looks like…. I recently made tacos that I stuffed whit your lentil kidney bean chili, some fresh lettuce, homemade guacamole and salsa to go with it and it was so delicious!
😀
So I finally started cooking from your book. I made the Rajma with Pea Pulao. And it tasted soooo good. I couldn’t get over the taste of the kidney bean curry, so delicious.
🙂
Good to know about the toothbrushes! ♡
Richa says
June 24, 2015 at 10:47 amits big green fruit that is fibrous. https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Jackfruit 🙂
Yay for cooking from the book! so glad you loved the rajma and pulao!
Nina says
June 25, 2015 at 12:54 amThank you for the link. I had never seen it before and I don’t think it’s available here. But I have learned something new! 😀
My brother and sister in law are visiting this weekend (from Holland). I think I am going to cook a couple of recipes from your book for them. They aren’t vegan and I want to show them that vegan food tastes good! I think my sister in law is curious about veganism, because she’s always asking questions about how do you do this and how did you make that, what’s in it… you know. Who knows, maybe she’ll jump on the vegan bandwagon 😉 😉 She is the only one in my family who shows interest and is open to it… 🙂
Richa says
June 25, 2015 at 10:20 amthats awesome! vegan food is just general food and tasty vegan food helps them see that. Good luck for all the cooking during the visit!
Jennifer B says
June 24, 2015 at 10:48 amVery cool and thanks for bringing it to our attention! I amvry excited to try the bamboo toothbrushes.
Karla says
June 24, 2015 at 1:59 pmWhat a fantastic product. I had no idea there was any alternative to the plastic brushes. Thank you for the information, and the giveaway! 🙂
Jennifer says
June 24, 2015 at 3:13 pmI can’t wait to try this recipe and try using a bamboo toothbrush. I try to reduce my carbon footprint in every way I can
Susan Christy says
June 24, 2015 at 5:41 pmWow – I’m ashamed to say I’ve never thought about the waste created by plastic toothbrushes. And I didn’t know there was another option. Thanks!!
Leah says
June 24, 2015 at 5:50 pmLooks like an interesting product to check out!
Raquel says
June 24, 2015 at 10:27 pmConsidering how many toothbrushes are disposed of by one person if replacing every 3 months over a lifetime…multiplied by a significant number or worldwide toothbrush user…it is interesting to learn of a more ecologically and environmentally friendly alternative…BAMBOO!
Yuliya Intile says
June 24, 2015 at 10:34 pmI recently finished changing most of everything we use at home from plastic to glass and such. Happy I did that after researching a while back.Changing our toothbrushes would be one of the last and great things to do! Thank you for doing this giveaway and giving opportunity to win these xxxxxx
Robyn says
June 24, 2015 at 10:54 pmYou know where else plastic toothbrushes end up, our oceans. And with toothbrushes being replaced 3 to 4 times a year, that really adds up! Down with plastic, up with bamboo!