Name: Jackfruit “Mechada” Stuffed Arepas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: Venezuelan Corn Arepas; 1 14-ounce can of green jackfruit, drained; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp of ground annatto or turmeric; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 Tbsp plant-based Worcestershire sauce; ½ onion, diced; ½ red bell pepper, diced; 3 garlic cloves, crushed; ¼ cup vegetable broth; 4 Tbsp tomato sauce; 3 small sweet peppers (aji dulce), chopped (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup de Tofu Mayonnaise; juice of ½ lemon; 2 garlic cloves; ½ cup cilantro, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Water

By Vanessa Marquez

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In Venezuela, a meal is not complete without arepas. These delicious cornmeal patties are typically stuffed with meat and prepared in different ways, depending on the region.

Prep: 20 mins Cook: 20 mins Yield: 4-5

Gluten Free Low Sugar Nut Free Soy Free

A popular filling is a “carne mechada,” which is a type of shredded beef. Jackfruit is the perfect beef substitute in this traditional dish.

Ingredients

Venezuelan Corn Arepas

Jackfruit "Mechada"

1 14-ounce can of green jackfruit, drained
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp of ground annatto or turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
1 Tbsp plant-based Worcestershire sauce
½ onion, diced
½ red bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, crushed
¼ cup vegetable broth
4 Tbsp tomato sauce
3 small sweet peppers (aji dulce), chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Garlic Cilantro Sauce

1 cup de Tofu Mayonnaise
juice of ½ lemon
2 garlic cloves
½ cup cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Water

Instructions

Jackfruit Shredded "Meat"

1. In a medium saucepan, add the jackfruit and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes. Drain.
2. Allow to cool a bit, then shred the jackfruit with your hands, removing any seeds.
3. Place the shredded jackfruit in a bowl with the garlic powder, annatto or turmeric, salt, pepper, cumin, and Worcestershire sauce, and stir well. Allow to marinate for a few minutes.
4. In a skillet over medium heat, add the onions, red bell and sweet peppers, and garlic, along with a few tablespoons of vegetable broth, and cook until the vegetables are softened. Then, add the marinated jackfruit.
5. Sauté for about 5 minutes over medium heat, then add the remaining vegetable broth and the tomato sauce.
6. Cook for another 10 minutes, stirring regularly.

Garlic Cilantro Sauce

1. Place all the ingredients in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend well and add a teaspoon of water at a time to achieve a sauce-like texture

Stuffed Arepas

1. Warm the arepas in a skillet and cut a slit lengthwise.
2. Fill each arepa with the shredded jackfruit mixture and serve with the Garlic Cilantro Sauce.

Cooking Tips

1. You can substitute the jackfruit with oyster mushrooms.

Jackfruit “Mechada” Stuffed Arepas