samoan Recipes
20 delicious samoan recipes from around the world
Fa'alifu Ulu (Breadfruit in Coconut Milk)
A simple yet incredibly comforting Samoan side dish where tender, boiled breadfruit is simmered in a rich, savory coconut milk sauce infused with the subtle sweetness of onion. It's a staple that perfectly complements many main courses.
Fa'ausi
A rich and sweet Samoan delicacy featuring cubes of baked taro or a simple flour-based bread, generously coated in a luscious coconut caramel sauce. Traditionally baked in an umu, it can also be made in a conventional oven.
Faiai Eleni (Samoan Mackerel Bake)
Faiai Eleni, also known as Samoan fish bake, is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring mackerel baked in coconut milk with onions and spices, often presented in a hollowed coconut shell for an authentic touch. It showcases the Samoan love for fresh seafood and the rich creaminess of coconut.
Moa Fa'asaina (Samoan Braised Chicken)
Moa Fa'asaina is a popular Samoan dish of chicken braised in a savory sauce of soy sauce, vinegar, and aromatics. While traditionally cooked in an umu (earth oven), this recipe adapts it for a Dutch oven or stovetop, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken often served with coconut rice.
Oka I'a
Oka I'a is a traditional Samoan dish of raw fish marinated in citrus juice and mixed with creamy coconut milk, fresh vegetables, and a hint of chili. It's a refreshing and flavorful appetizer or light meal, often compared to ceviche.
Palusami
Palusami is a beloved Samoan dish featuring tender taro leaves wrapped around a creamy filling of coconut cream, onions, and often corned beef. Traditionally cooked in an earth oven (umu), it can also be baked or steamed.
Povi Masima Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew made with salted beef (povi masima), taro, and other root vegetables, simmered in a rich broth. This dish is a staple in Samoan households, offering comfort and sustenance.
Samoan Banana Fritters (Panikeke)
Sweet, fluffy, and golden-brown fritters made from mashed ripe bananas, flour, and a touch of sweetness. These are a popular treat in Samoa, perfect as a snack or dessert.
Samoan Beef Saikai
A flavorful and tender beef dish, Saikai is a popular Samoan preparation where beef is slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and coconut milk until melt-in-your-mouth tender. It's often served with taro or bread.
Samoan Breadfruit Fritters (Pia Fua)
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these breadfruit fritters are a delightful Samoan snack or side dish. Made with grated breadfruit, coconut, and a hint of sweetness, they are typically pan-fried until golden brown.
Samoan Chicken Coconut Curry (Kale Moa)
A comforting and creamy chicken curry, featuring tender chicken pieces simmered with potatoes and carrots in a rich coconut milk-based sauce, seasoned with aromatic spices. This dish is a staple in Samoan households, often served with rice.
Samoan Chicken Luau Stew
A hearty and comforting stew made with tender chicken, taro leaves (luau), and creamy coconut milk, simmered to perfection for a rich and flavorful island dish.
Samoan Grilled Fish with Lime and Coconut (I'a Tunuma)
Freshly caught fish is marinated in lime juice and coconut milk, then grilled to perfection, resulting in a light, zesty, and tropical dish.
Samoan Grilled Pork Belly with Pineapple Glaze
Tender, succulent pork belly grilled to perfection and coated in a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze, offering a delightful balance of savory and tropical flavors.
Samoan Pani Popo
Soft, sweet coconut buns baked in a rich, creamy coconut sauce. Pani Popo is a beloved Samoan treat, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion.
Samoan Poi
A simple and refreshing dessert made from mashed ripe bananas, coconut cream, and a hint of lime or lemon zest. It's a delightful treat, especially on warm days.
Samoan Pork and Taro Leaf Bundle (Pua'a Palusami)
Tender pieces of pork belly are wrapped in nutrient-rich taro leaves and slow-cooked in coconut cream, creating a rich and flavorful Samoan delicacy.
Samoan Sapasui
Sapasui is a beloved Samoan noodle dish, a unique adaptation of Chinese chop suey or pancit. It features tender vermicelli noodles stir-fried with your choice of meat (beef, pork, or chicken), aromatic garlic and ginger, and a savory sauce made with soy sauce and a touch of sweetness. It's a flexible and comforting dish, perfect for family gatherings and everyday meals.
Samoan Taro Leaf and Coconut Stew
A comforting and flavorful stew made with tender taro leaves simmered in rich coconut milk, often enhanced with onions and sometimes other vegetables or proteins. It's a staple in Samoan cuisine, showcasing the versatility of local ingredients.
Samoan Umu Pork and Taro Leaf Bundle
A traditional Samoan delicacy cooked in an umu (earth oven), this dish features tender pork and nutrient-rich taro leaves, all enveloped in creamy coconut milk and steamed to perfection within banana leaves. The umu cooking method imparts a unique smoky flavor and ensures the ingredients remain incredibly moist and tender.