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Nakavika with Coconut
Wild Vanuatuan plums simmered in coconut cream — a simple, fragrant island dessert.
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
★★★★★
4.6(210 ratings)#vanuatu#fruit#coconut#dessert#gluten-free#vegan
About This Recipe
Nakavika (Syzygium species) are small, tart plums found throughout Vanuatu's forests. When gently simmered in sweetened coconut cream, their tartness mellows into a jammy, tropical compote. Islanders serve it warm over hot rice or chilled as a standalone dessert during fruit season.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 400 gnakavika plums (or substitute red plums), halved and pitted
- 200 mlcoconut cream
- 3 tbspbrown sugar
- 1 tspvanilla extract
- 1 pinchsalt
Instructions
- 1
Combine
Add plums, coconut cream, sugar, and salt to a saucepan over medium heat.
- 2
Simmer
Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–18 minutes until plums soften and sauce thickens slightly.
- 3
Finish
Stir in vanilla extract, adjust sweetness, and remove from heat.
- 4
Serve
Spoon warm over steamed rice or serve chilled in small bowls.
Pro Tips
- →
Don't overcook — plums should hold their shape.
- →
A squeeze of lime at the end brightens the flavour.
Variations
- •
Add a cinnamon stick while simmering.
- •
Use mango when nakavika is unavailable.
Storage
Refrigerate up to 4 days in an airtight container.
History & Origin
Nakavika is a foraged fruit central to Vanuatuan village life, often traded at local markets and used medicinally as well as culinarily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for nakavika?
Red plums, damson plums, or lychees are good substitutes.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (160g) · 4 servings total
Calories185kcal
Protein1g
Carbohydrates28g
Fat9g
Fiber2g
Protein1g
Carbs28g
Fat9g
Time Summary
Prep time10 min
Cook time20 min
Total time30 min
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