Palusami

About This Recipe

Palusami is one of the most beloved dishes in American Samoa. Young taro leaves encase rich coconut milk and onion, then steam inside the leaf packets until silky smooth.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 12 largetaro leaves(washed, stems trimmed)
• 1 cancoconut milk(400 ml)
• 1 mediumonion(finely diced)
• 1/2 tspsalt
• 4 piecesbanana leaf or foil(for wrapping)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven

   Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. 2

   Assemble packets

   Layer 3 taro leaves into a cup shape on a piece of foil. Add a quarter of the onion and pour in about 1/2 cup coconut milk. Season with salt.

3. 3

   Wrap tightly

   Fold the taro leaves over the filling, then wrap tightly in foil to seal in all moisture.

   A double wrap of foil prevents leaks.

4. 4

   Bake

   Bake for 60 minutes until taro leaves are very tender and coconut milk has thickened into a creamy filling.

Variations

• •

  Add corned beef inside for a heartier version.

• •

  Use spinach if taro leaves are unavailable, though flavor will differ.

Storage

Refrigerate wrapped packets up to 2 days. Reheat in oven at 160°C for 15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions