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Palusami
Samoan taro-leaf parcels of coconut cream and onion, baked until soft and silky (rourou parcels in Fiji)
Palusami is at the heart of a Samoan Sunday to'ona'i, the big lunch after church, when the umu (earth oven) is lit and parcels of taro leaves filled with thick coconut cream and onion bake among the hot stones. The leaves melt into something like rich, creamy spinach, and the coconut sets around them. In Fiji similar parcels are called rourou. Many families add corned beef or fish; this is the plain coconut version, served with baked taro or breadfruit. Chef's tip: taro leaves must be cooked thoroughly, as underdone leaves make the throat itch; if you can't get them, use large spinach or silverbeet leaves, which need less time.
- Total time
- 90 min
- Difficulty
- medium
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
Method
0/6 doneStep 1: Heat the oven to 350°F (325°F fan). Have ready 4 squares of foil about 30 cm, or banana leaves softened over a flame on top of foil.
Step 2: Mix 1 ¾ cups thick coconut cream with 1 onion, ¾ tsp salt and 1 fresh chilli.
Step 3: On each square, overlap 6 24 young taro leaves (or a quarter of the spinach) into a cup about 15 cm across, shiny side down.
Step 4: Spoon a quarter of the coconut mixture into the middle. Fold the leaves up over the filling to make a ball, then wrap the foil tightly around it, twisting the top so no cream escapes. Common mistake: wrapping loosely; the coconut cream leaks out and the leaves dry instead of stewing.
15 minStep 5: Set the parcels in a baking dish and bake for 60 minutes for taro leaves (35 minutes for spinach), until the leaves are completely soft and dark green and the coconut has thickened.
60 minStep 6: Open carefully at the table and serve hot with baked taro, breadfruit or rice, and 1 lime.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 230 kcal
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbs
- 9 g
- Fat
- 21 g
- Fibre
- 4 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does palusami take?
- About 90 minutes in total: 30 minutes to prepare and 60 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of onion?
- 2 shallots per onion.
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