RecipesTuvaluPulaka Soup

Pulaka Soup

A hearty and comforting soup made with pulaka (swamp taro), coconut milk, and aromatic spices, offering a taste of traditional Tuvaluan sustenance.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Servings4
DifficultyMedium
Pulaka Soup - Tuvalu traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 1 kg Pulaka (swamp taro)(peeled and cubed)
  • 2 cups Coconut milk
  • 4 cups Water
  • 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger(freshly grated)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
  • 2 Green onions(sliced, for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Wash the pulaka root thoroughly and peel off the skin. Cut into 1-inch cubes.

  2. 2

    In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is translucent.

  3. 3

    Add the cubed pulaka to the pot and stir to coat with the aromatics.

  4. 4

    Pour in the coconut milk and water. Add salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

  5. 5

    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the pulaka is tender when pierced with a fork.

  6. 6

    Adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions.

💡 Pro Tips

  • If pulaka is unavailable, regular taro root or even sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute.
  • Wear gloves when handling raw taro as it can irritate the skin.
  • For added flavor, a tablespoon of curry powder or turmeric can be added when sautéing the aromatics.

🔄 Variations

  • Add small chunks of cooked chicken or fish for a more substantial meal.
  • A pinch of chili flakes can be added for a touch of heat.

🏷️ Tags