Yes, vegan carnitas exist. And they’re delicious

Jocelyn Ramirez has been at the forefront of L.A.’s vegan Mexican food movement with Todo Verde, her catering company and Smorgasburg stand. Both are currently on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic; for now, Ramirez hosts online cooking classes in their place.

In April, Ramirez released her first cookbook, “La Vida Verde,” which features one of her most beloved dishes: jackfruit carnitas. It’s perfect for meat lovers and meat-free eaters, and both camps often react with I-can’t-believe-it’s-not-meat glee. They come with a delicious smoky salsa too.

Vegan Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos

Time 45 minutes

Yields Serves 4 to 6

Smoky Salsa de Chipotle

Time 30 minutes

Yields Makes about 3 cups

Last year, Ramirez shared her chilaquiles with us too.

Vegan Chilaquiles

Time 20 minutes

Yields Serves 6 to 8

Vegan Chipotle Crema

Time 10 minutes

Yields Makes about 1 ¼ cups

Charred Salsa Verde

Time 30 minutes

Yields Makes about 4 cups.

Vegan Queso Fresco

Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Yields Makes about 1 cup

Read more about vegan Mexican food in LA here:

Food

Mexi-Vegan cooking is mainstream in Southern California. And it’s only getting bigger

Southern California is home to a groundswell of Mexican plant-based and vegan cooking.

June 26, 2020