Jackfruit and Okra Gumbo

Serves 4 to 6 / Ready in 25 minutes

Published Feb 1, 2021 Updated Aug 16, 2023

Gumbo is Southern comfort food that’s packed with flavor. Many vegan versions have beans, but the jackfruit in this version gives it a nice hearty texture that absorbs the strong flavors from the spices. Shiitake mushrooms give it the umami flavor. Serve with corn bread or whole-wheat crackers.

recipe | Darshana Thacker

Ingredients

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 - 15 oz cans water-packed jackfruit, drained, rinsed, and cut into 3/4 inch pieces
2 Tbsp Creole spice mix
1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
2 medium onions, finely chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 cup shiitake mushrooms, cut into long strips
1 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
2 tsp gumbo filé
1 1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 bay leaves
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, divided
10 oz frozen sliced okra, thawed
1 cup cooked brown rice
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
Hot sauce (optional)
Pinch of sea salt
Pinch of ground black pepper