Tongan Chicken and Taro Leaf Bake (Lū Moa)
A comforting and flavorful bake featuring tender chicken pieces enveloped in nutrient-rich taro leaves, simmered in creamy coconut milk. This dish, a variation of the traditional 'Lū', showcases the heart of Tongan cuisine with its simple yet delicious ingredients.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on, cut into serving pieces)
- 15 large Taro leaves(stems removed, washed thoroughly)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(freshly grated)
- 400 ml Coconut milk(full-fat)
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 1 roll Aluminum foil(for wrapping)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- 3
Prepare your wrapping station. Lay out large pieces of aluminum foil, overlapping them to create a large, sturdy surface. You'll need enough to create individual parcels for the chicken and taro leaves.
- 4
Layer 2-3 taro leaves on the foil, overlapping them to form a base for the filling. Ensure there are no gaps.
- 5
Place a portion of the seasoned chicken mixture in the center of the taro leaves.
- 6
Pour about 2-3 tablespoons of coconut milk over the chicken in each parcel. Add a splash of lime juice.
- 7
Gather the edges of the taro leaves and foil to create a sealed parcel, ensuring no liquid can escape. Repeat this process for all the chicken portions.
- 8
Place the sealed parcels on a baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the taro leaves are soft.
- 9
Carefully unwrap the parcels (beware of steam) and serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure taro leaves are thoroughly washed to remove any grit.
- ✓If taro leaves are unavailable, large spinach leaves can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will differ.
- ✓For an authentic 'umu' (underground oven) flavor, you can adapt this recipe for a conventional oven by wrapping the parcels tightly in foil and baking.
- ✓Adjust salt, pepper, and lime juice to your personal preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add sliced tomatoes or bell peppers to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and color.
- Substitute chicken with pork shoulder or corned beef for a different taste profile.