Jackfruit Veggie Ball Tacos or Subs. Use these "meatballs" anywhere! Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, yeast-free, nut-free recipe.

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 40 minutes
  • Total time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12
  • Category: Tacos
  • Cuisine: fusion

Ingredients

For the jackfruit:

  • 20 oz can jackfruit (drained (green jackfruit in brine), or about 2 cups pelled chopped green jackfruit)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Veggie balls:

  • 1 cup chickpea flour
  • 1 hot green chili (finely chopped or use cayenne to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 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 lemon juice
  • 1.5 tbsp garlic paste (or crushed garlic)
  • 1 tbsp ginger paste (or grated ginger)
  • 1 tsp oil + more as needed

Method

  1. 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.
  2. Cool slightly, drain and keep aside.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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).
  6. 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.
  7. I like these balls pan-fried. Serve with marinara and vegan mozzarella in sub sandwich or tacos or over pasta.

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.