Tongan Pork and Taro Leaf Bake (Lefakau)
A hearty and flavorful Tongan dish featuring tender pork and vegetables slow-cooked and steamed within taro leaves, often further wrapped in banana leaves for added aroma and moisture. This method infuses the ingredients with a rich, earthy flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Pork shoulder or belly(cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 large Carrot(sliced)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 cup Coconut milk
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 15 large Taro leaves(washed and stems removed)
- 6 large Banana leaves(optional, for wrapping)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- 2
Add the pork chunks to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
- 3
Stir in the sliced carrot, chopped bell pepper, and chopped tomatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- 4
Pour in the coconut milk and soy sauce. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the flavors are well combined.
- 5
If using banana leaves, cut them into large squares and blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes to make them pliable. This makes them easier to handle and prevents tearing.
- 6
Lay out a taro leaf on a clean surface. Spoon a portion of the pork and vegetable mixture onto the center of the leaf. Fold the edges of the taro leaf over the filling to create a neat packet.
- 7
For extra flavor and moisture, wrap each taro leaf packet in a piece of banana leaf. Secure with kitchen twine if necessary.
- 8
Arrange the wrapped packets in a steamer basket or on a rack over boiling water. Steam for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the taro leaves are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- 9
Carefully unwrap the Lefakau packets and serve hot, traditionally with root vegetables like taro, yams, or sweet potatoes.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure taro leaves are thoroughly washed to remove any grit.
- ✓If banana leaves are unavailable, you can wrap the taro leaf packets tightly in aluminum foil.
- ✓Adjust soy sauce and salt according to your preference.
🔄 Variations
- Substitute chicken thighs or corned beef for pork.
- Add other vegetables like green beans or pumpkin.