Fijian Duruka in Coconut Milk
Duruka, often referred to as Fijian asparagus, is the flower bud of a sugar cane-like plant. This recipe features duruka gently simmered in creamy coconut milk with aromatic spices, offering a unique and subtly sweet flavor profile. It's a simple yet elegant dish that highlights the fresh, tropical ingredients of Fiji.
🧂 Ingredients
- 450 g Duruka(trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1 tablespoon Coconut oil
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Ginger(minced)
- 1 small Chili(finely chopped (optional))
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper(or to taste)
- 2 cups Coconut milk(full-fat)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley or cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the duruka: Trim any tough outer layers and cut the duruka into 2-inch pieces. Rinse under cold water.
💡 Tip: Ensure duruka is fresh; it should be firm and crisp. - 2
Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- 3
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped chili (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic. - 5
Add the turmeric powder, cumin seeds, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to toast the spices for about 1 minute.
- 6
Add the prepared duruka pieces to the skillet and stir to coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
💡 Tip: Ensure all duruka pieces are coated. - 7
Pour in the coconut milk. Stir well, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the duruka is tender.
💡 Tip: Duruka should be tender but still have a slight bite. - 8
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving. - 9
Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or boiled taro/cassava.
💡 Tip: This dish pairs well with starchy accompaniments.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Duruka is a seasonal vegetable, so it might not always be available.
- ✓If duruka is unavailable, you can substitute with green beans or asparagus, though the flavor will differ.
- ✓Ensure you use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier sauce.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.
- Include other vegetables like diced tomatoes or bell peppers along with the duruka.