A 14-day challenge in 2017 to eat vegan turned into something bigger for Candace Maiden and Kurtis Williams Sr. “That was kind of a wake-up call for the both of us,” says Maiden.
After committing to a vegan lifestyle full time, the duo launched their catering business Squash the Beef, a Black-owned vegan soul food company, in 2019. “We noticed that there were not a lot of options in the marketplace for vegan comfort food or vegan soul food,” Maiden says.
In addition to their kale lemonade and fried chick’n, the barbecue jackfruit sliders ($8 for two) prove that vegan food can still be tasty and honor the authenticity of Black comfort food.
The texture of the fruit mimics pulled pork and absorbs the flavor of onions, peppers and barbecue sauce for a lip-smacking taste. It comes topped with house-made coleslaw and vegan buns.
“I love the pairing of the sweetness of the barbecue with the coleslaw,” says Maiden. “It’s a party food or a game day food. You can grab it and go.” 216-245-2128, squashthebeefcatering.com
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