Palauan Chicken Fafa
Chicken Fafa is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring chicken simmered in coconut milk with taro leaves (or spinach as a substitute). It's a one-pot meal infused with aromatic notes of garlic, ginger, and onion, creating a harmonious blend of savory and tropical flavors. This dish is often served with rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken thighs(bone-in and skin-on)
- 500 g Taro leaves(fresh, or spinach as a substitute)
- 400 ml Coconut milk
- 1 medium Yellow onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger(grated)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 250 ml Water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the taro leaves thoroughly and remove any tough stems. If using spinach, skip to the next step. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the taro leaves for 5-7 minutes to reduce bitterness. Drain and set aside.
- 2
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- 3
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 5
Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper, then place them skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- 6
Add the blanched taro leaves (or spinach) to the skillet, arranging them around the chicken.
- 7
Pour the coconut milk and water over the chicken and greens. Stir gently to combine.
- 8
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- 9
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
- 10
Serve hot with steamed rice or taro root on the side.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If using taro leaves, blanching them is essential to remove any bitterness or throat irritation.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
- ✓Ensure the coconut milk is full-fat for the best creamy consistency.
🔄 Variations
- Substitute spinach for taro leaves if they are unavailable.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat.
- Serve with a side of steamed taro root for a more traditional Palauan meal.