Solomon Islands Coconut Fish Mumu
A traditional Solomon Islands method of cooking fish and root vegetables in a pit oven (mumu), infused with coconut milk and local herbs.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 kg Whole fish (e.g., snapper, grouper)(cleaned and scaled)
- 1 kg Taro root(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 500 g Sweet potato(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 800 ml Coconut milk(freshly squeezed preferred)
- 2 medium Onion(sliced)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 thumb-sized piece Ginger(grated)
- 500 g Local greens (e.g., taro leaves, pumpkin tips)(washed and roughly chopped)
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 10 large Banana leaves(for wrapping)
- Hot stones or coals(for the mumu pit)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the mumu pit: Dig a pit, heat stones or coals until very hot. Cover with leaves and a layer of soil to retain heat.
💡 Tip: Ensure the pit is well-insulated to maintain cooking temperature. - 2
Prepare the fish: Score the fish deeply on both sides. Rub with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Scoring helps the flavors penetrate the fish. - 3
In a bowl, combine coconut milk, sliced onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- 4
Layer banana leaves at the bottom of the mumu pit, ensuring good coverage.
💡 Tip: Use multiple layers of leaves to prevent burning. - 5
Arrange the taro root and sweet potato chunks over the banana leaves.
- 6
Place the prepared fish on top of the root vegetables.
- 7
Pour the coconut milk mixture evenly over the fish and vegetables.
- 8
Top with the chopped local greens.
- 9
Cover everything with more banana leaves, then a layer of damp cloth or more leaves, and finally a layer of soil to seal the pit.
💡 Tip: Ensure the pit is sealed tightly to trap steam and heat. - 10
Cook for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the fish and vegetables.
💡 Tip: The steam and heat trapped in the pit will cook the ingredients. - 11
Carefully unearth the mumu, remove the soil and leaves, and serve the fish, vegetables, and greens directly from the pit.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The quality of the coconut milk is crucial for flavor. Freshly squeezed is best.
- ✓Ensure the mumu pit is well-sealed to maximize cooking efficiency.
- ✓Adjust cooking time based on the size of the fish and root vegetables.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like yams or cassava.
- Incorporate chunks of pork or chicken for a heartier meal.
- Use different types of local greens based on availability.