RECIPE: Breadfruit ‘Ulu’ Home Fries

Breadfruit “Ulu” Home Fries with onions, peppers and arugula.

Ulu legend traces its origin to a time of famine when Ku, the god of building and war, buried himself in the earth near his home. He later turned into an `Ulu tree so that his wife and children would not starve. Because of this, `Ulu was considered “famine” food. `Ulu was one of the plants Polynesians brought in their sailing canoes when they discovered the Hawaiian Islands. It is a staple food throughout the Pacific and in ancient Hawai’i.

Ulu is ripe and in the farmers markets right now!  Breadfruit can be substituted in most recipes that call for potatoes with good success. I love this delicious and colorful take on home fries  – top with eggs for a delectable brunch treat.

Ingredients:

1 medium breadfruit  (ulu) pounds (approximately 2 pounds)

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste*

1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes

2 cups of washed whole leaf arugula

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F.
2. Peel and core breadfruit. Chop the cored and skinned breadfruit into chunks and transfer to a nonstick cookie sheet.
3. Toss with oil, peppers, onions, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
4. Place in the oven for 25 minutes, turning twice with spatula.
5. Remove from the oven and toss with arugula. Serve hot.

* You can also use grill seasoning of your choice in lieu of salt and pepper to spice things up!

This post has been a contribution by Kristin Frost Albrecht on behalf of The Food Basket, Hawai’i Island’s Food Bank.