Haka Mei Moa (Breadfruit and Chicken with Coconut)
A hearty and comforting dish combining the starchy goodness of breadfruit with tender chicken, all simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce. This recipe showcases the versatility of breadfruit and the staple use of coconut in Tongan cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 medium Breadfruit(peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 500 g Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Ginger(freshly grated)
- 400 ml Thick coconut cream(from a can or freshly made)
- 200 ml Water or chicken broth
- 1 tsp Salt(to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, to taste)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the breadfruit: Peel the breadfruit, remove the core, and cut into approximately 1-inch cubes. Rinse the cubes under cold water.
💡 Tip: If breadfruit is very ripe, it will be softer and cook faster. - 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pot; brown the chicken in batches if necessary. - 5
Add the prepared breadfruit cubes to the pot. Pour in the thick coconut cream and water (or chicken broth). Stir to combine.
- 6
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the breadfruit is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
💡 Tip: The breadfruit should be fork-tender but not mushy. - 7
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving. - 8
Serve hot as a complete meal, or with a side of steamed greens.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use freshly squeezed coconut milk.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the dish uncovered for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like taro or sweet potato along with the breadfruit.
- A pinch of curry powder can be added with the garlic and ginger for a subtle curry flavor.