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.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Mackerel fillets(fresh, firm)
- 1 bunch Taro leaves(fresh, young)
- 1 large Onion(thinly sliced)
- 400 ml Coconut milk(full-fat)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 1 tsp Optional spices(such as chili flakes or garlic powder)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
💡 Tip: Ensure the oven is fully preheated before placing the dish inside. - 2
Prepare the taro leaves by washing them thoroughly and removing any tough stems. If using very large leaves, you can cut them into manageable pieces.
💡 Tip: Young taro leaves are preferred for their tenderness. - 3
In a baking dish or hollowed-out coconut shells, create a layer of sliced onions.
- 4
Arrange the mackerel fillets on top of the onions.
- 5
Place a layer of taro leaves over the fish.
- 6
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and any optional spices over the taro leaves.
- 7
Pour the coconut milk evenly over the entire dish, ensuring all ingredients are moistened.
- 8
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or place the filled coconut shells into a larger baking dish and cover that with foil.
💡 Tip: Sealing the dish tightly will help steam the ingredients and keep the moisture in. - 9
Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily, and the taro leaves are wilted.
💡 Tip: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the mackerel fillets. - 10
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot, directly from the baking dish or coconut shells.
💡 Tip: This dish is traditionally served with rice or boiled taro.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an authentic presentation, serve the Faiai Eleni in hollowed-out coconut shells.
- ✓Ensure you use fresh mackerel for the best flavor and texture.
- ✓Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your personal taste.
- ✓If taro leaves are unavailable, spinach can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will differ.
🔄 Variations
- Add thinly sliced bell peppers or chilies for extra flavor and heat.
- Incorporate other types of firm white fish like snapper or mahi-mahi.
- A small amount of finely chopped garlic can be added with the onions.