Kelkal
Sago with Chicken
Kelkal is a traditional dish from Manus Province, Papua New Guinea, where sago is cooked with shredded fish, shrimp, or clams. This recipe offers a variation using chicken, showcasing the versatility of sago as a base. It's a comforting and hearty meal, often enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or served alongside other dishes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Raw Sago Pearls
- 250 g Chicken Breast(cooked and shredded)
- 2 medium Ripe Bananas(mashed)
- 1/2 cup Shredded Coconut
- 1/4 cup Chicken Stock(or water)
- 1 can Coconut Milk(full-fat)
- to taste Salt
- 6 sheets Baking Paper(or banana leaves)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the shredded chicken by cooking and shredding chicken breast. Set aside.
💡 Tip: You can boil or pan-fry the chicken breast until cooked through, then shred it with two forks. - 2
In a bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, shredded coconut, and chicken stock. Mix well.
💡 Tip: Ensure the bananas are ripe for sweetness and a smoother texture. - 3
Add the shredded chicken to the banana mixture and stir to combine.
- 4
In a separate pot, bring the coconut milk to a gentle boil. Season with salt to taste.
- 5
Prepare the sago pearls according to package instructions, usually by soaking or briefly boiling until translucent. Drain any excess water.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to overcook the sago, as it can become too mushy. - 6
Lay out the baking paper or banana leaves. Place a portion of the sago pearls onto each sheet, flattening them slightly to form a base.
- 7
Spoon a portion of the chicken and banana mixture onto the sago base on each sheet.
- 8
Fold the baking paper or banana leaves to create sealed parcels, enclosing the sago and filling.
💡 Tip: Ensure the parcels are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. - 9
Carefully place the parcels into the boiling coconut milk. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sago is fully cooked and translucent.
💡 Tip: The coconut milk helps to cook the sago and adds flavor. - 10
Remove the parcels from the coconut milk and let them rest for a few minutes before unwrapping.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a more traditional approach, use banana leaves instead of baking paper.
- ✓Adjust the amount of banana to achieve your desired consistency – more banana will result in a runnier, sweeter pudding.
- ✓This dish can be enjoyed as a main meal or as a side dish.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use shredded fish, shrimp, or clams instead of chicken for a more authentic Manus Province flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for extra warmth.