BBQ Jackfruit Pizza

I know what you must be thinking:

1. Who in their right mind would put fruit on pizza? and

2. How can you have vegan pizza when you need cheese to make pizza?

For the answers to both of these questions, read on.

If you are anything like me, you are probably unfamiliar with jackfruit. I have discovered it recently in the vegan section of the produce section, which I had not spent much time in until recently.

Since discovering jackfruit I have done some culinary experimentation because it is supposed to be an all natural substitute for chicken because of its meaty consistency. It does have a sweeter flavor, so it is important to consider this when creating dishes with it. I like it because it is all natural and does not have to be manufactured unlike plant based meat substitutes.

I highly recommend using fresh herbs as a pizza topping. Fresh herbs add a lot more flavor to any dish than dried herbs. They frequently also add a scent which you won't get from a jar which adds an extra dimension to the eating experience.

Flatbread pizza has been a versatile favorite of mine for a few years because it is so quick and easy to make. Fortunately, with all of the meat and dairy alternatives, I do not have to give up flatbread pizza.

Ingredients

1/4 small white onion, diced

1 small zucchini, sliced and quartered

4 mushrooms, sliced thin

4 cherry tomatoes, halved

2 tsp. capers

2 cloves garlic, diced

1/4 cup BBQ sauce

1/2 package bbq marinated jackfruit (or make your own)

Vegan cheese (Follow Your Heart makes sliced gouda which works well for this recipe)

Oil

Garlic Seasoning

Flatbread

Fresh basil and parsley to top

1. Preheat your oven to 375d. While the oven is preheating, add pan to the stove and heat oil over medium high heat.

2. Add zucchini and onion to the pan. While they are cooking, place your flatbread on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil and sprinkle with garlic seasoning and top with cheese. If you prefer, you can use BBQ or pizza sauce on the flatbread. Place as much jackfruit as you prefer on top of the cheese

3. After the onion is translucent and the zucchini is cooked to your liking (I prefer mine a little burnt, I think the flavor is better that way) add the mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic, and capers. Cook until the mushrooms are soft. Add grilled veggies to the flatbread. Drizzle BBQ sauce over the pizza.

4. Bake for 15 minutes and top with fresh basil and parsley.

It is possible to modify this recipe to meet pretty much any dietary need. I prefer to eat vegan, but you could add dairy cheese for a vegetarian diet or even substitute meat rather than a full vegetarian option. But, I believe if you try this recipe as it is you will not miss having meat or dairy on your pizza.