Fa'alifu Fa'i (Samoan Green Bananas in Coconut Cream)
Local name: Faʻalifu faʻi
In short: Firm green bananas boiled until tender, then simmered in thick coconut cream with onion, a simple Samoan side served with fish, chicken or palusami. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 345 kcal
Fa'alifu fa'i is a plain, comforting dish from Samoa. Firm green bananas are boiled until tender and then simmered in coconut cream with a little onion until the sauce thickens and clings. The bananas taste mild and starchy, a little like potato, and the sauce brings the richness. It sits on the table beside fish, chicken and other umu foods. Taro and breadfruit are cooked the same way.
Instructions
- Rub a little oil on your hands and knife. Trim the ends of the bananas, slit the peel lengthwise and pry it off. Cut each banana into 3 pieces.
- Put the bananas in a pot with water to cover and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes, until a knife slides in easily. Drain.
- In a wide pan, warm the coconut cream, onion and remaining salt over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, until it just simmers.
- Add the bananas and simmer gently for 10 minutes, turning once or twice, until the sauce thickens and coats them.
- Serve hot, with palusami, grilled fish or roast chicken.
Tips
- Choose bananas that are fully green and hard. Yellowing ones turn mushy in the pot. The sap stains hands and cloth, which is why oiled hands help.
- Keep the coconut cream at a gentle simmer, because a hard boil can make it split and turn oily. Stir in a splash of hot water if the sauce gets too thick.
Questions and answers
What is fa'alifu fa'i?
It is a Samoan dish of boiled green bananas simmered in coconut cream. It is a common side dish at family meals and with umu food.
Can I use plantains?
Yes. Green plantains are firmer, so boil them for 25 to 30 minutes before simmering them in the coconut cream.
Can I use taro or breadfruit instead?
Yes. The same method works for both. Boil until just tender, then simmer in the coconut cream until the sauce thickens.
How long does it take to make Fa'alifu Fa'i (Samoan Green Bananas in Coconut Cream)?
About 50 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Fa'alifu Fa'i (Samoan Green Bananas in Coconut Cream)?
About 345 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 38 g of carbohydrates and 20 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 345 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
