Baked Breadfruit: A Tropical Delight
Breadfruit, a versatile and unique tropical fruit, is a staple in many island kitchens, including my own backyard where I’ve been blessed with a thriving tree. After a friend from Chuuk shared this simple yet delicious recipe with me, I’ve been making this baked breadfruit regularly. It’s easy to prepare, and the results are always a hit with family and friends. Whether you’ve grown your own breadfruit or have access to it at a specialty store, this recipe will bring the tropical flavors straight to your kitchen. Let’s dive into the steps to create a sweet, flavorful, and satisfying baked breadfruit.
Recipe Information
| Recipe Name | Baked Breadfruit |
|---|---|
| Category | Tropical Fruits |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories per Serving | 514.2 kcal |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Keywords | Fruit, Low Protein, Oven, < 4 Hours, Easy |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 514.2 kcal |
| Fat | 23.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 61 mg |
| Sodium | 187.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 80.3 g |
| Fiber | 5.1 g |
| Sugar | 63.7 g |
| Protein | 1.3 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Breadfruit | 1 whole |
| Brown Sugar | 1 cup |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Ground Nutmeg | 1/2 tsp |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Flavor Mixture
- Start by melting the butter in a small saucepan over low to medium heat. Be cautious to prevent the butter from browning or burning.
- Once melted, stir in the ground cinnamon and nutmeg. The aroma will fill your kitchen, giving you a sense of the warm, comforting flavors that are about to unfold.
- Once the spices have fully mixed into the butter, remove the mixture from the heat. For best results, transfer the mixture into a small bowl and refrigerate it briefly. This will allow the butter and spices to solidify slightly, making it easier to work with when stuffing the breadfruit.
Step 2: Preparing the Breadfruit
- Select a ripe breadfruit. A ripe breadfruit should be firm to the touch yet slightly yielding when pressed, with a subtle fragrance. To prepare the breadfruit, hold it firmly and tug gently on the stem. If the stem pulls off with ease, the breadfruit is ready for preparation.
- Once the stem is removed, the inner flesh of the breadfruit should come out as well. The goal is to hollow out the breadfruit, creating space to stuff it with the flavorful mixture you’ve just prepared. Be sure to carefully scrape out the flesh and reserve it for another recipe or discard it as per your preference.
Step 3: Stuffing the Breadfruit
- Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of brown sugar directly into the hollow of the breadfruit. The sugar will caramelize during baking, giving the dish a rich, sweet flavor.
- Take the chilled butter mixture and use a knife or spatula to fill the cavity of the breadfruit with it. The mixture should be spread evenly, ensuring that every bite will carry the warm, spiced flavor of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Once the butter mixture is inside, sprinkle the remaining brown sugar on top to create a sugary crust that will form as the breadfruit bakes.
Step 4: Baking the Breadfruit
- To finish preparing the breadfruit for baking, cover the hole in the top with a piece of plantain or another sturdy fruit, such as a small section of banana. This step helps to keep the stuffing inside the breadfruit as it cooks.
- Place the stuffed breadfruit in a baking pan, adding about 2 cups of water to the pan. The water will help maintain moisture during baking and prevent the breadfruit from drying out.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the breadfruit for about 1 hour, or until it’s tender and the sugar has formed a delicious caramelized crust on top.
Step 5: Cooling and Serving
- Once the breadfruit has finished baking, allow it to cool for about 15 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and cut into quarters.
- Carefully cut the breadfruit into quarters, using a sharp knife. You’ll notice that the flesh inside should be tender, with a soft, almost creamy texture.
- If the breadfruit isn’t quite as moist as you’d like, you can drizzle some additional melted butter over the quarters for extra richness and flavor.
Tips for Success
- Choosing a Ripe Breadfruit: Look for a breadfruit that is slightly soft but not too mushy. If it’s overripe, the texture may become too fibrous and less enjoyable.
- Storage: Leftover baked breadfruit can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently in the oven to preserve its texture.
- Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon or nutmeg based on your taste preferences. A little bit of ground ginger or cloves can also be added for a different twist.
This Baked Breadfruit recipe is not only incredibly simple but also a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of the tropics. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting dessert or a unique side dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Serve it up at your next family gathering or enjoy it as a special treat on a quiet evening at home.
