Saksak (Sago and Banana Dumplings)
Saksak are delightful, chewy dumplings made from sago pearls and mashed ripe bananas, steamed in banana leaves and served with a warm, sweet coconut milk sauce. This dish is a popular dessert or snack, especially in the coastal regions of Papua New Guinea.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Sago pearls(also known as tapioca pearls)
- 2 large Ripe bananas(mashed)
- 20 g Sugar(or to taste)
- 4 pieces Banana leaves(cut into approximately 20 cm squares, softened over a flame)
- 400 ml Coconut milk(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place sago pearls in a bowl, cover with water, and drain immediately, leaving a little moisture to hydrate them.
💡 Tip: Soaking for too long can cause the pearls to break down. - 2
In the same bowl, combine the hydrated sago pearls with the mashed ripe bananas and sugar. Mix well with your hands until evenly distributed.
- 3
Gently run the banana leaf squares over a low flame or heat source until they become pliable and bright green. This prevents them from cracking when folded.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to burn the leaves. - 5
Arrange the parcels in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam for approximately 20 minutes, or until the sago pearls become translucent.
💡 Tip: You can check for doneness by carefully opening one parcel; the sago should be clear with no white centers. - 6
While the dumplings steam, gently warm the coconut milk in a separate pot. Do not boil.
💡 Tip: Warming the coconut milk prevents it from splitting. - 7
Once cooked, carefully remove the saksak parcels from the steamer. Serve warm, unwrapped, with the warm coconut milk poured over them.
💡 Tip: The banana leaves are for cooking and are not meant to be eaten.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If banana leaves are unavailable, aluminum foil can be used as a substitute for wrapping.
- ✓Small tapioca pearls can be used if sago pearls are difficult to find.
- ✓The sweetness can be adjusted by adding more or less sugar to the filling.
🔄 Variations
- Add a touch of vanilla extract or pandan extract to the sago mixture for extra flavor.
- Serve chilled on a hot day for a refreshing treat.