Chef Derek Sarno

Derek Sarno

LIVING ON THE VEG

Give a classic, fragrant dish a plant-based twist by using tropical jackfruit

When adding more meat-free dinners to our diets, it’s easy to stick to what we know. But Derek Sarno wants to show how ingredients you may be less familiar with, such as jackfruit, can add oomph. ‘An Asian fruit, ripe jackfruit has a tropical taste like mango, but unripe it can be cooked and shredded for a texture similar to pulled pork,’ says Derek. ‘I love using it in tacos, stews and burgers. It’s more affordable than most fish or meat, so is great value too.’

T H A I R E D J A C K F R U I T C U R R Y

Serves 4 Takes 50 mins Cost per serve £1.86

500g butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1cm half-moons 2 tbsp vegetable oil 25g fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped 4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped 1 small red chilli, deseeded if you like, finely sliced, plus extra to serve (optional) 4 tbsp Thai red curry paste 1 tsp ground turmeric 2 x 410g tins jackfruit, drained and shredded (see tip, opposite) 400g tin light coconut milk 400g tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 vegetable stock pot, made up to 250ml 1 tsp soft light brown sugar ½ lemon, juiced 10g fresh coriander, roughly chopped 2 tsp desiccated coconut steamed jasmine rice, to serve (optional)

1 Preheat the oven to gas 7, 220°C, fan 200°C. Toss the butternut squash with half the oil on a large baking tray; season. Roast for 35-40 mins until tender and charred at the edges. 2 Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a large saucepan over a mediumhigh heat. Fry the ginger, garlic, onion and chilli (if using) for 5 mins until lightly browned. Add the curry paste and turmeric; cook for 2 mins or until fragrant. 3 Add the jackfruit, coconut milk, chickpeas, stock and sugar. Bring to a simmer, then turn down the heat and cook for 15-20 mins until thickened and reduced. Stir in the roasted squash; season and squeeze in the lemon juice. Scatter over the chopped coriander and desiccated coconut. Serve with extra sliced chilli and jasmine rice on the side, if you like.

Each serving contains

Energy Fat Saturates

Sugars Salt 2161kJ 519kcal 18g 7g 13g 1.8g 26% 26% 37% 14% 31%

of the reference intake. See page 81. Carbohydrate 29g Protein 9g Fibre 13g

W E U S E D … T I N N E D J A C K F R U I T

Jackfruit is usually found in chunks, in the tinned veg aisle. Plant Chef Jackfruit in Water 410g, £1.60 (39p/100g)