Soulful Vegan 'Ribs' with Smoked Sweet Potato Mash

These vegan "ribs" are made with jackfruit, a tropical fruit that has a meaty texture when cooked. The ribs are marinated in a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce and roasted until tender and browned. The sweet potato mash is made with roasted sweet potatoes, almond milk, smoked paprika, and garlic. It's a creamy, flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with the ribs.

Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that has been cultivated in Southeast Asia for centuries. It is a large, round fruit with a thick, spiky skin. The flesh of the jackfruit is creamy white or yellow and has a sweet, slightly tart flavor. Jackfruit is a versatile fruit that can be eaten fresh, cooked, or used in desserts. In recent years, jackfruit has become increasingly popular as a meat substitute in vegan and vegetarian dishes.

Prep time: 30 | Cook time: 60 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Jackfruit
• Vegan BBQ sauce
• Sweet potatoes
• Almond milk
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic
• Onion
• Vegetable broth

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Remove the jackfruit from the can and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Toss the jackfruit with the BBQ sauce and spread it on a baking sheet.
4. Roast the jackfruit for 20-25 minutes, or until browned and tender.
5. While the jackfruit is roasting, make the sweet potato mash.
6. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes and boil them in water until tender.
7. Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them with a fork or potato masher.
8. Stir in the almond milk, smoked paprika, garlic, and onion.

Why It Works

• The jackfruit has a naturally meaty texture, which makes it a great substitute for ribs.
• The BBQ sauce gives the ribs a smoky, tangy flavor.
• Roasting the jackfruit until tender and browned gives it a slightly crispy exterior and a moist, flavorful interior.
• The sweet potato mash is a creamy, flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with the ribs.