This pan ultimate flavoursome pie Caribbean's answer to the infamous British shepherd's pie. Packed with nothing but endless flavour with every single bite that you take. The perfect island inspired weeknight comfort food which contains no dairy.
The beloved breadfruit is hot on the scene again, don't you just love eating some breadfruit? I know I do! Also how do you like your breadfruit? I'm a roasted breadfruit type of girl.
Myself and loved ones have had plenty of occasions where we banter over the preferrred cooking style of breadfruit.
In short we are divided, some of us are partial to roasting and Air Fried Breadfruit while the other half enjoy boiled breadfruit.
Irrespective of one's cooking method I think we can all agree on this and that is our love for breadfruit.
I have to be completely candid with you guys I had no intention of adding this little bad boy to the recipe directory, at least not for now.
A little information about myself I'm very methodical and like to keep things in order where possible.
Last week I was in and out of the city running errands and conducting business, where I'm located the best place to purchase Caribbean produce is at the farmers markets right in the heart of the city.
It's also great for socialising, bumping into family/friends and discussing what's for dinner and so fourth.
The origins of breadfruit
I saw this lovely piece of breadfruit, actually it was half of a breadfruit and I just couldn't resist purchasing it.
The vendor even included an extra piece at no additional cost which was an added bonus.
For those that don't know breadfruit originates from the pacific islands (Think Tahiti, Samoa, Hawai'i) it wasn't until around the 16-17th century that it was introduced to the Caribbean.
The texture of breadfruit
The texture of breadfruit when ripe is quite firm, slightly sweet (due in part to the high levels of starch) with a creamy hue and an off yellowish/green peel when it is fully mature.
The english speaking Caribbean Islands namely refer to it as Breadfruit however, Spanish Islands may call it - Arbol de pan, panapen, and other creole names such as lam veritab, bois pain and so fourth...too many to mention but you get the gist.
This breadfruit pie isn't specific to one Caribbean Island, it has more of a Spanish flare courtesy of my sofrito rendition which forms the base of the recipe.
It isn't quite like the official sofrito recipe but the majority of ingredients (bell peppers and herbs) are there to represent it well and the prep is a little different, but rest assured it definitely works well.
Can you freeze this recipe?
This breadfruit pie is also freezer friendly, I've made this in batches at a time when I'm on the go and need something that's hearty with a taste of the Caribbean to fill me up and this certainly does the trick.
It's well seasoned and not too spicy, making it a child friendly meal.
The prep takes a little bit of time, so it would be a good idea to make this on the weekend or when you have some leisure time - make a huge batch, freeze it, defrost, eat and repeat (hey that rhymes).
Notes and tips
- Breadfruit is paleo friendly
- Free from gluten
- See my roast breadfruit for roasting instructions
Other Caribbean dinner recipes to try
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Breadfruit Pie
Ingredients
- ½ breadfruit peeled, cored and chopped in chunks
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 500 g of lean free range lamb mince washed and drained
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 medium sized onion sliced
- 1 cup of sweet red bell peppers pulsed
- 1 cup of green bell peppers pulsed
- 3 tablespoon of organic tomato paste
- 1 lime juiced
- 2 teaspoon of oregano
- 2 teaspoon of cumin
- 4 sprigs of fresh thyme stem removed
- 2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 teaspoon of paprika
- 2 tablespoon of coconut aminos
- Himalayan pink salt to taste
- 2 tablespoon of coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven at 190C/375F/gas mark 5 and have a deep rectangular oven proof dish ready.
- Begin by adding the chunks of breadfruit to a large sauce pan filled by ¾ of water. Bring the pan to the boil then cover and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until the breadfruit is soft and tender to the touch (roughly 15-20 minutes).
- Once cooked drain off the excess water.
- Start to mash the breadfruit pieces with a potato masher, as the breadfruit begins to crush slowly work in the coconut milk. This will soften the breadfruit to a light creamy texture which is what you're trying to achieve then set aside.
- On medium heat melt coconut oil in a large frying pan and begin to saute the garlic and onion for one minute or until the onions are translucent.
- Add the lamb mince to the pan and sear to lock in the due. As the lamb is seared use a spatula to breakdown the mince into bitesize pieces. Do note, as the colour of the meat deepens, the meat will generate it's own fatty liquid, don't worry about absorption, it will evaporate near the latter step of cooking.
- Season the meat with the cumin, tomato paste, black pepper, oregano, thyme paprika and stir and fold into the meat. Add the salt according to your taste.
- Now fold in the pulsed bell peppers, lime juice, coconut aminos.
- Give everything a good stir before lowing the heat, covering the pan and allowing to cook for another 15 minutes
- During this time the excess liquid should have receded, we want most of it evaporated before adding to the pie dish. If there is still a large amount of liquid left. Increase the heat to speed up the liquid absorption, make sure to stir the mince or it will burn and stick.
- Evenly add the mince to the bottom of the oven proof pie dish and layer with the creamed breadfruit. Work a small amount across the top of the mince meat in an even manner until it looks like an evenly layered pie.
- Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until a light brown hue is present
- Remove from oven and serve accordingly - a side of vegetables.
- Once cooked remove pan and serve accordingly.
Nutrition
oyebanji olayinka says
How can someone make breadfruit milk juice
Charla says
Hi there,
I'm not familiar with this, however I will certainly look into this for you and hopefully master a recipe and submit onto the blog.
WillyP says
Here on Maui I’ve had an Ulu (breadfruit) tree in my front yard for 40 years. Always looking for new recipes to try. My favorites so far include several chili recipes, several corn chowder recipes, and some vege stir fry’s. I just today steamed one and cut it into very thin slices, will try several different crispy frying approaches and see how it goes….
Is there any way I can post a picture ?
WillyP
Charla says
Sounds wonderful. Any pictures can be sent directly to my email address.
Revathi Palani says
Breadfruit is something I am hearing for the first time. This pie looks and sounds very interesting and delicious 🙂
Charla says
Thank you very much.
Kathryn@FoodieGirlChicago says
This looks like a great healthy dish, and love that it is freezer friendly!
Charla says
Thank you Kathryn. Yes everyone loves a freezer friendly recipe, so handy during the weekdays.
April @ Girl Gone Gourmet says
I've never cooked breadfruit before and now I'm curious! Looks like a great dish 🙂
Charla says
It's similar to white potato when boiled, but it's quite a diverse fruit (more like a veg than fruit). I hope you manage to give this one a try April.
Willow says
I've never had breadfruit before. I decided awhile ago that I would try one new fruit / vegetable a month, because they are so many exotic ones that I want to try. I guess it's time to start! Breadfruit is now on the list!
Charla says
Breadfruit is a good start, if you've never had it before then it will definitely be outside of your comfort zone. Please let me know when you do try it and your thoughts are welcome too.
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
I have never tried this but it looks super yummy! Thanks for sharing!
Charla says
Thanks Sam and you are welcome!