new-caledoniandinner
Bougna
The iconic Kanak dish of root vegetables and meat slow-cooked in coconut milk in banana leaves.
Prep
30 min
Cook
90 min
Servings
6
Difficulty
Medium
★★★★★
4.7(89 ratings)#kanak#coconut#yam#chicken#traditional
About This Recipe
Bougna is the centrepiece of Kanak ceremonial cooking in New Caledonia. Yam, taro, sweet potato, and chicken or fish are layered with coconut cream in banana leaf parcels and cooked over hot stones or in an oven. It embodies communal identity.
Ingredients
Serves 6
- 500 gyam(peeled and sliced)
- 500 gtaro(peeled and sliced)
- 600 gchicken pieces
- 400 mlcoconut cream
- 1 tspsalt
- 6 largebanana leaves(softened over flame)
Instructions
- 1
Layer ingredients
On softened banana leaves, layer yam and taro slices, then top with chicken pieces. Season with salt.
- 2
Add coconut cream
Spoon coconut cream generously over the layers.
- 3
Wrap tightly
Fold banana leaves over the filling to form a sealed parcel, tying with natural twine or more leaf strips.
- 4
Cook
Bake parcels at 180°C for 85–90 minutes, or place over hot stones in a traditional earth oven.
- 5
Serve
Open parcels at the table — the steam release is part of the experience. Serve directly from the leaves.
Pro Tips
- →
Soften banana leaves over a gas flame to prevent tearing.
- →
Bougna improves with resting — let parcels sit 10 minutes before opening.
Variations
- •
Use prawns or crab instead of chicken for a seafood version.
- •
Add sweet potato for extra sweetness.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days. Reheat wrapped in foil.
History & Origin
Bougna has been made for thousands of years by the Kanak people of New Caledonia and remains central to traditional ceremonies today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use foil instead of banana leaves?
Yes, foil is a practical substitute though it lacks the subtle flavour from the leaves.
What does bougna taste like?
Rich, lightly sweet from the coconut cream with earthy depth from the root vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · 6 servings total
Calories410kcal
Protein28g
Carbohydrates45g
Fat14g
Fiber5g
Protein28g
Carbs45g
Fat14g
Time Summary
Prep time30 min
Cook time90 min
Total time120 min
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