FSM Breadfruit and Fish Bake
A comforting and flavorful baked dish featuring tender breadfruit and flaky white fish, often prepared with coconut milk and local seasonings. This dish highlights staple ingredients common across the FSM.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 medium Breadfruit(peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 500 g White fish fillets(such as snapper or grouper, cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 400 ml Coconut milk(full-fat)
- 1 medium Onion(thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(grated)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Lime juice(freshly squeezed)
- 4 sheets Banana leaves or parchment paper(for lining the baking dish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with banana leaves or parchment paper.
💡 Tip: Using banana leaves imparts a subtle, authentic flavor. - 2
In a large bowl, combine the cubed breadfruit, fish pieces, sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
💡 Tip: Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. - 3
Pour the coconut milk over the breadfruit and fish mixture. Season with salt and black pepper. Add the lime juice and toss gently to combine.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - 4
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, ensuring the ingredients are in a single layer as much as possible.
💡 Tip: If using banana leaves, overlap them to create a secure lining. - 5
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or the remaining banana leaves.
💡 Tip: This helps to steam the ingredients and keep them moist. - 6
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the breadfruit is tender and the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
💡 Tip: Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the breadfruit cubes and fish pieces. - 7
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: This dish is often served with rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Breadfruit is a staple in Micronesia and can be found in various stages of ripeness, affecting its texture and sweetness.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of local chili or a pinch of turmeric.
- ✓If fresh breadfruit is unavailable, you can substitute with taro or yams.
🔄 Variations
- Add other local vegetables like taro leaves or sweet potato.
- Incorporate some diced ripe banana for a touch of sweetness.
- For a spicier version, add a chopped chili pepper.