Vegan (Jackfruit) Carnitas

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If you're anything like me, you've probably never heard of Jackfruit before.  But it's an absolutely amazing meat substitute. Much like tofu, jackfruit takes on the flavor of whatever flavor or spices you cook it with. It shreds and and has a similar consistency to pork. It's pretty amazing if you ask me. You can usually find the young jackfruit (which you want canned, not fresh) at your local asian food store. If you're in CA, NV, WA or TX you can find it at your local 99 Ranch Market.

                          Jackfruit Carnitas (vegan, gluten free, low fat, refined sugar free)

Here's what a can of Jackfruit looks like:

Ingredients:
For the spice blend (this is flexible -if you don’t have a couple of the spices on hand just work with what you’ve got):
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp chili powder
pinch cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
pinch cinnamon
1 tsp lime juice
1 tsp soy sauce (optional- omit if you’re avoiding soy)

For the carnitas:
1 Tbsp cooking oil (Canola or something neutral)
1 small onion, diced
2 clove garlic, crushed
Homemade spice blend (see above)
1 20 oz can of Jackfruit in brine, drained (Make sure you get green jackfruit in brine or water. You do not want ripe Jackfruit in syrup.)
1 Tbsp maple syrup

Directions:
Place a pan on medium heat. Add oil, onion, garlic and spice blend. Stir until onions are clear and coated with spices. Add jackfruit and maple syrup and stir occasionally to break up the jackfruit. It will be ready when the liquid is dissolved and the jackfruit darkens and starts to look like shredded meat.

**You can also do what I did and throw everything in a crockpot for a few hours...and enjoy!

Now load this "meat" up in a taco shell with some salsa, onions and cilantro and whatever else you like on your tacos and enjoy!! Thanks to made just right for this recipe.