Palauan Taro and Pork Stew
A hearty and comforting stew featuring tender chunks of pork simmered with starchy taro root in a savory broth, often enriched with coconut milk for a creamy finish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Pork shoulder(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 1 kg Taro root(peeled and cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 400 ml Coconut milk(full-fat)
- 500 ml Water or chicken broth
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the pork cubes on all sides. Remove pork and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. - 3
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Return the browned pork to the pot. Add the cubed taro root, coconut milk, water or broth, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure taro is mostly submerged in liquid. - 5
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the taro is cooked through and has started to break down, thickening the stew.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 6
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the stew is too thin, you can simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- 7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
💡 Tip: Pairs well with steamed rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure you use full-fat coconut milk for the best creamy texture.
- ✓Taro can be slightly itchy to handle; wear gloves if sensitive, or soak peeled taro in salted water for 15 minutes before cooking.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a bay leaf during simmering.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like sweet potato or cassava.
- Incorporate leafy greens like spinach or bok choy in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- For a spicier kick, add a chopped chili pepper with the onions.