Palauan Taro Leaves in Coconut Milk (Demok)
A comforting and rich Palauan stew made with tender taro leaves simmered in creamy coconut milk, often enhanced with aromatics and sometimes small pieces of fish or crab. This dish is a staple in Palauan cuisine, showcasing the use of local greens and coconut.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Young taro leaves(cleaned, destemmed, and roughly chopped)
- 2 cans (13.5 oz each) Full-fat coconut milk
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 tsp Sea salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 cup Smoked fish flakes or small crab pieces(optional, for added depth)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the taro leaves: Ensure taro leaves are thoroughly washed and destemmed. Blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to temper natural oxalates, then drain and roughly chop.
💡 Tip: Blanching is crucial to remove the oxalic acid in taro leaves, which can cause irritation. - 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chopped onion in a tablespoon of oil (or a little coconut milk) over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
💡 Tip: Using full-fat coconut milk provides the best creamy texture. - 5
Add the blanched and chopped taro leaves to the pot. If using, add the smoked fish flakes or crab pieces.
💡 Tip: If the leaves are very large, you can cut them into smaller pieces after blanching. - 6
Season with sea salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust salt as needed. Some smoked fish can be salty. - 7
Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the taro leaves are very tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 8
Serve hot, ideally with boiled taro, cassava, or rice.
💡 Tip: This dish is comforting and best enjoyed warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Always blanch taro leaves before cooking to remove oxalates.
- ✓Adjust the amount of coconut milk for desired consistency.
- ✓For a vegetarian version, omit the fish or crab.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of turmeric for color and subtle flavor.
- Incorporate other local greens like water spinach if available.
- A small amount of chili can add a gentle heat.