In the world of vegan cuisine, finding recipes that are both delicious and satisfying can sometimes be a challenge. However, today we're going to explore a mouth - watering vegetarian taco recipe that features jackfruit, a versatile and nutritious ingredient. Jackfruit has gained popularity in recent years, especially among vegans and vegetarians, as it can mimic the texture of pulled pork when cooked properly. This recipe takes advantage of its unique qualities and combines it with the spicy, smoky flavor of canned chipotle in adobo sauce.

Let's start by gathering the ingredients. For the jackfruit filling, you'll need one 20 - ounce can of young jackfruit in brine. Drain and rinse the jackfruit thoroughly to remove the brine. This step is crucial as it helps to get rid of the canned taste and allows the jackfruit to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients. You'll also need 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 small onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves of garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 2 tablespoons of canned chipotle in adobo sauce, and 1/4 cup of vegetable broth.

Now, let's move on to the preparation. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium - heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, which usually takes about 3 - 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The aroma of the onion and garlic will start to fill your kitchen, making you even more excited for the final dish.

Next, add the drained and rinsed jackfruit to the skillet. Use a fork to shred the jackfruit into smaller pieces, similar to the texture of pulled meat. This process might take a little time and effort, but it's worth it for the authentic taco experience. Once the jackfruit is shredded, sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper over it. Stir well to coat the jackfruit evenly with the spices. The spices will not only add flavor but also give the jackfruit a beautiful color.

After that, add the canned chipotle in adobo sauce to the skillet. The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are what give this taco its signature spicy and smoky flavor. Be careful when handling the chipotle peppers as they can be quite hot. Stir the jackfruit mixture with the chipotle sauce until the sauce is well - incorporated. Then, pour in the vegetable broth. The broth will help to keep the jackfruit moist and tender as it cooks.

Cover the skillet and let the jackfruit simmer for about 20 - 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the jackfruit will absorb the flavors of the spices and the chipotle sauce, and it will become even more tender. You'll notice that the liquid in the skillet will start to reduce, leaving behind a thick and flavorful sauce.

While the jackfruit is cooking, you can prepare the taco toppings. Some great options include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of vegan sour cream. You can also make a quick salsa by combining diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, lime juice, and cilantro. The fresh and crisp toppings will provide a nice contrast to the spicy and savory jackfruit filling.

Once the jackfruit is cooked, it's time to assemble the tacos. Warm up your favorite taco shells, whether they're soft corn tortillas or hard taco shells. Spoon the jackfruit filling onto the taco shells and top them with your chosen toppings. You can get creative with the toppings and customize the tacos according to your taste preferences.

These vegetarian jackfruit tacos are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Jackfruit is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. The spices used in the recipe, such as chili powder and cumin, have antioxidant and anti - inflammatory properties. And the fresh toppings add a boost of vitamins and minerals.

Whether you're a vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to try something new, these jackfruit tacos are a great addition to your recipe collection. They're easy to make, full of flavor, and can be enjoyed by the whole family. So, the next time you're in the mood for a spicy and satisfying meal, give these vegan jackfruit tacos a try. You won't be disappointed!