Solomon Islands Taro and Fish Bake
A comforting and flavorful bake featuring tender taro root and flaky fish, enveloped in a creamy coconut milk sauce, and baked to perfection. This dish highlights staple ingredients of the Solomon Islands.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Taro root(peeled and cubed)
- 500 g White fish fillets(such as snapper or cod, cut into chunks)
- 400 ml Coconut milk(full fat)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 small Chilli(deseeded and finely chopped (optional))
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- a handful Fresh coriander(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- 2
Boil the cubed taro root in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- 3
In a saucepan, sauté the chopped onion in a little oil until softened. Add garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the coconut milk, lime juice, chopped chilli (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- 5
Arrange the boiled taro and fish chunks in the prepared baking dish.
- 6
Pour the coconut milk mixture over the taro and fish, ensuring everything is well coated.
- 7
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- 8
Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- 9
Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure taro is cooked until tender but not mushy before baking.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chilli to your spice preference.
- ✓This dish is delicious served with steamed rice.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like sweet potato or yam.
- Incorporate leafy greens like spinach or watercress in the last 10 minutes of baking.