🇵🇬 Papua New Guinean Cuisine

Coconut Taro

Taro in Coconut Cream

Prep Time 15 min

Servings 4

Difficulty Easy

Calories 328 kcal

Chunks of starchy taro simmered gently in thick coconut cream until tender and infused with rich coconut flavor. This simple yet satisfying dish is a cornerstone of daily Melanesian cooking.

Ingredients

4 medium taro corms, peeled and cubed
2 cups thick coconut cream
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 small onion, sliced (optional)

Instructions

1 Peel taro wearing gloves to avoid skin irritation from the oxalates. Cut into 3cm cubes.
2 Place taro in a saucepan with water and bring to a boil.
3 Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes until taro begins to soften.
4 Add coconut cream and salt. If using onion, add now.
5 Simmer gently 15-20 minutes until taro is completely tender and sauce has thickened.
6 Serve warm as a side dish.

Did You Know?

PNG is home to more varieties of taro than any other country, with over 1,000 distinct cultivars documented across different communities.