Fijian Taro Leaf and Corned Beef Bake (Palusami-Inspired)
A simplified, oven-baked version of the traditional Fijian Palusami. Tender taro leaves (rourou) are layered with a savory filling of corned beef, onions, and creamy coconut milk, then baked until the leaves are wilted and the flavors have melded beautifully. This dish offers a comforting taste of Fijian home cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 20 large Taro leaves (rourou)(stems removed, washed thoroughly)
- 1 can (approx. 340g) Corned beef(drained and roughly chopped)
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 can (approx. 400ml) Coconut milk(full-fat)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper(or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Cooking oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish.
💡 Tip: Ensure the baking dish is large enough to hold all the layers. - 2
Prepare the taro leaves: If the stems are thick, trim them. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 1-2 minutes to soften them and reduce any itchiness. Drain and pat dry.
💡 Tip: Blanching is crucial to remove oxalates that can cause throat irritation. - 3
In a skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained corned beef, sautéed onion and garlic, half of the coconut milk, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- 6
Line the greased baking dish with a layer of taro leaves, overlapping them to cover the bottom and sides.
💡 Tip: Use the larger leaves for lining the dish. - 7
Spread half of the corned beef mixture evenly over the taro leaves.
- 8
Add another layer of taro leaves over the corned beef mixture.
- 9
Spread the remaining corned beef mixture on top of the second layer of leaves.
- 10
Top with a final layer of taro leaves, folding them over to enclose the filling.
- 11
Pour the remaining coconut milk over the top layer of leaves.
- 12
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
💡 Tip: A tight seal is important for steaming the leaves. - 13
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the taro leaves are tender and the filling is heated through.
- 14
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: Palusami is delicious served with boiled root vegetables like taro or cassava, or with rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If fresh taro leaves are unavailable, large spinach or Swiss chard leaves can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be different.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or a small amount of finely chopped tomato to the corned beef mixture.
- ✓Ensure the corned beef is well-drained to avoid a watery filling.
🔄 Variations
- Add a layer of thinly sliced tomatoes and onions between the corned beef layers.
- For a spicier kick, add finely chopped chili peppers to the corned beef mixture.