+GF
I’ve never been much of a football fan myself, but I’m always down for a party centered around eating! We’re going to have some friends over before the big game this weekend and these nachos will absolutely be making an appearance. They’re deceptively simple to make, big enough to share with a crowd and so good your guests might not even believe you made them yourself! No matter what team you’re rooting for, you’ll be glad you made these nachos to munch on … and so will your guests! —AS
SERVES 6 TO 10
JACKFRUIT
1 tbsp (14 g) coconut oil, for frying
2 (20-oz [565-g]) cans jackfruit in brine or water (NOT syrup), seeds removed
Juice of 1 orange (about ⅓ cup [80 ml])
Juice of 1 lime (about 2–3 tbsp [30–45 ml])
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp (28 ml) melted coconut oil
2 tsp (10 ml) soy sauce
1 tsp liquid smoke
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 large bag of tortilla chips
1 (15-oz [425-g]) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1–2 cups (120–240 g) vegan queso cheese (here), homemade or store-bought, warmed
½ cup (75 g) finely chopped red onion
½ cup (90 g) sliced black olives
¼ cup (10 g) chopped fresh cilantro
Guacamole, for serving
Limes, for serving
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or aluminum foil). Set aside.
FOR THE JACKFRUIT
Heat the coconut oil in a medium cast-iron skillet. Place the jackfruit into a mixing bowl and use two forks or your fingers to shred it. Add the orange and lime juices, garlic, melted coconut oil, soy sauce, liquid smoke, cumin, smoked paprika, pepper flakes, salt and cayenne. Mix until the jackfruit is well coated, and then pour the whole mixture into the heated skillet. Cook over medium heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, until the juices thicken and reduce and the jackfruit begins to slightly brown in the pan. Remove it from the heat and set aside.
Spread the tortilla chips evenly over the baking sheet and scatter the drained black beans over the top. Layer the seasoned, cooked jackfruit evenly over the top, and then place the baking sheet in the oven for 10 minutes. Heat the chips, beans and jackfruit together.
When finished, pull the baking sheet from the oven and immediately top with the queso cheese, chopped red onion, black olives, cilantro, guacamole and limes. Serve immediately!
Note: Save time by preparing the jackfruit and queso a day ahead. Then just reheat as necessary!
If you use a different cheese, we would recommend adding the cheese layer BEFORE baking so it melts while in the oven.
Add whatever other toppings you like! Some suggestions? Cabbage, salsa, hot sauce, green onions, jalapeños, tomatoes …