Cajun-Spiced Jackfruit Sandwiches

These sandwiches are incredible! You have a heaping pile roasted jackfruit in a homemade Cajun spice rub, topped with a creamy vegan ranch dressing, and finished with some lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.

CAJUN-SPICED JACKFRUIT SANDWICHES [VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE]

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE JACKFRUIT:

• 2 20-ounce cans young green jackfruit
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic granules
• 1/2 teaspoon onion granules
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano, dry
• 3/4 teaspoon thyme, dry
• 1 1/2 teaspoon molasses, rice syrup, or maple syrup

FOR THE RANCH DRESSING:

• 2/3 cup plain unsweetened soy yogurt or 2/3 cup silken tofu, blended to a purée with 3 teaspoon lemon juice
• 3 teaspoons cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried garlic granules
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or rice syrup
• 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1-2 tablespoons water

FOR THE SANDWICHES:

• 4 gluten-free buns 
• 3 cups shredded lettuce
• 1/2 a red onion, thinly sliced
• Vegan barbecue sauce

PREPARATION

1. Prepare the vegan ranch or the vegan barbecue sauce or your sandwiches. Refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.
2. Preheat the oven to 390°F.
3. Line a large baking tray with baking paper.
4. Drain the jackfruit, and rinse it well under cold running water.
5. Slice each piece thinly, then place all the shredded jackfruit in a large mixing bowl.
6. Add all the herbs and spices, as well as the molasses or syrup. Using your hands, massage the spice mix into the jackfruit for about a minute.
7. Transfer the prepared jackfruit to the baking tray and spread it out in an even layer.
8. Place it in the oven and bake it for 15-20 minutes, until the edges are browning and starting to get crispy.
9. Remove the jackfruit from the oven, and assemble the sandwiches.
10. To make the dressing, combine all ingredients except for the water in a bowl, and stir until well combined. Add water as needed to reach the desired consistency. Season with black pepper to taste, then refrigerate until ready to use.
11. First, add a layer of lettuce, then top with a generous heaping of the Cajun jackfruit and some sliced onion. Drizzle each sandwich with the ranch dressing or barbecue sauce, and serve it immediately.

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/cajun-spiced-jackfruit-sandwiches/