Breadfruit Treats for Busy Days

If we have learned anything about breadfruit over the past couple years, it’s that it never ceases to surprise us with its endless applications! Breadfruit is not only an amazing skincare ingredient, but it is also very nutritious to eat. In fact, scientists believe that breadfruit is going to be the world’s next superfood, and it’s not surprising why. Breadfruit is a great source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrate, is gluten-free, low in fat and also rich in fiber. Who wouldn’t want to add that into their regular diet? It’s also extremely easy to cook with which is essential for busy families who are always on the go. So, while you’re dealing with all the madness of the back-to-school season including busy schedules and extracurricular activities, finding quick and easy recipes that are also nutritious is a must. Try incorporating some of these really quick and simple breadfruit recipes into your meal prep.

Breadfruit Crepes

These quick and simple crepes are extremely versatile, whether you are craving sweet or savory! Provided that breadfruit contains all the essential amino acids, you can fill the crepe with whatever you fancy, great for any meal of the day. 

Ingredients: 

• ½ cup of breadfruit flower
• ⅔ cup milk
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp. Vegetable oil
• Pinch of salt

Instructions for Preparation: 

Combine in a medium bowl flower, milk, eggs, oil and salt. Heat on medium high a lightly oiled pan and pour batter while tilting the pan to spread evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, or until golden brown.  Makes 4 crepes. Fill with your favourite toppings! 

Breadfruit Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

These oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are incredible and super tasty while also using breadfruit as the source of flour. If you are gluten sensitive, try leaving out the oats for a delicious gluten-free snack!

Ingredients (Makes 3 dozen cookies):

• 1 1/3 cups canola oil
• 1 cup each brown and granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 cups large-flaked rolled oats
• 2 cups breadfruit flour
• 2 tsp each baking powder and baking soda
• 1 tsp each ground cinnamon and salt

Instructions for preparation:

In a large bowl, beat the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla until smooth. Set aside. In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, breadfruit flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Stir flour mixture into the oil mixture. Use a spoon to drop dough onto greased baking sheets; flatten each with a fork. Bake in a 350F (180C) oven for 10 minutes or until cookies are golden brown and crisp at the edges. Transfer to a rack to cool. Store cookies in a tightly sealed container for up to five days, or freeze for longer storage. 

Breadfruit Onion Bhaji (vegetarian) 

Made with 100% gluten-free flours, these tasty onion bhajis are great as a quick lunch, after-school snack, or appetizer before dinner. The cilantro dipping sauce is a delicious addition.

Ingredients:

• 2 onions thinly sliced
• ¾ cup chickpea flour
• ¼ cup breadfruit flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 5-6 Tbsp lukewarm water

Instructions for preparation:

Mix dry ingredients together and slowly add water with continued mixing to make a thick batter. Add sliced onions to the batter and mix thoroughly. Carefully drop tablespoons of battered onions into hot oil and fry 3-4 minutes or until nicely brown. Serve with cilantro dipping sauce.

Cilantro Dipping Sauce:

• 2 cups fresh cilantro
• 1 cup fresh mint
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 Tbsp lime juice
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• ¾ tsp salt

Pulse in food processor or blender.

Breadfruit Roti (Flatbread)

A roti is a type of flatbread that is delicious on its own, as a wrap for a sandwich, or as an addition to a saucy dish. If you haven’t had a chance to try a roti, now is definitely the time to whip up this tasty dish.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup breadfruit flour
• 1 tbsp olive or vegetable oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup lukewarm water

Instructions for preparation:

In a medium bowl, mix together flours, salt and oil to a crumbly mix. Slowly add water and knead until smooth and pliable. Wrap in cling wrap and let rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Divide into 6 portions and form into rounds. Flatten balls with the palm of your hand. Place between folded cling wrap and use a rolling pin or tortilla press to flatten. Heat a non-greased cast iron pan on a medium burner. Cook 1-2 minutes on each side until light brown with some darker brown spots. Serve warm.

All of these recipes are courtesy of Breadfruit Food Company, a locally run company that aims to provide a better alternative to corn, wheat, rice, and potatoes to the food industry. They launched their very own breadfruit flour in 2019.