Kiribati Breadfruit and Coconut Curry
A comforting and flavorful vegetarian curry that showcases the versatility of breadfruit, a staple in Kiribati cuisine. Cooked in a rich coconut milk base with aromatic spices, this dish is both hearty and satisfying, offering a taste of the islands' natural bounty.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 large Breadfruit(peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons Coconut oil
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 2 Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 tablespoon Curry powder
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- 2 cups Full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup Vegetable broth(optional, for thinning the sauce)
- to taste Salt
- for garnish Fresh cilantro
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the breadfruit: Peel, core, and cut the breadfruit into 1-inch cubes. If the breadfruit is very starchy, you can parboil it for about 5-7 minutes in salted water to soften it slightly before proceeding.
- 2
Sauté aromatics: Heat the coconut oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Toast spices: Add the curry powder and turmeric to the pot. Stir well and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to toast and release their aroma.
- 5
Combine with breadfruit: Add the cubed breadfruit to the pot and stir to coat it evenly with the spice mixture.
- 6
Simmer the curry: Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadfruit is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 7
Season and serve: Season the curry with salt to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot, ideally with steamed rice or quinoa.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Choose a ripe but firm breadfruit for the best texture. Overripe breadfruit can become too mushy.
- ✓If the curry seems too thick, add a little more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- ✓This curry can be made ahead of time and reheated; the flavors often meld and improve overnight.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like diced pumpkin, sweet potato, or green beans.
- For a non-vegetarian version, add cooked chicken or fish during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a fresh chili for added heat.