Ha'apoe (Solomon Islands Taro Balls in Browned Coconut Cream)
Local name: Haʻapoe
In short: Steamed taro pounded smooth, shaped into balls and rolled in golden browned coconut cream, a filling side from the Solomon Islands. It takes about 1 h in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Total
- 1 h
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 320 kcal
Ha'apoe comes from Makira and Ulawa in the Solomon Islands. Taro is steamed until soft, pounded into a smooth, stretchy dough and shaped into balls, which are rolled in coconut cream that has been cooked until it turns golden and nutty. The result is rich, earthy and filling. It is eaten as a side with fish or greens.
Instructions
- Steam the taro for 25 to 30 minutes, until a fork slides in with no resistance.
- While the taro steams, simmer the coconut cream with 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a wide pan over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often. It is ready when it is thick, the oil has separated and the solids are golden brown. Take care, as it can spatter.
- Mash the hot taro with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, pounding or beating until smooth and stretchy.
- With wet hands, shape the taro into 12 balls of about 60 g (2 oz). Roll each in the browned coconut cream to coat.
- Serve warm with any remaining browned cream spooned over, alongside fish or cooked greens.
Tips
- Cook taro until completely soft. Undercooked taro can irritate the mouth and throat. Do not eat it raw.
- Mash the taro while it is still hot, which keeps it smooth and elastic. Wet your hands to stop the dough from sticking.
Questions and answers
What is ha'apoe?
Ha'apoe is a dish from Makira and Ulawa in the Solomon Islands. Steamed taro is pounded smooth, shaped into balls and rolled in browned coconut cream.
How do I brown coconut cream?
Simmer it slowly, stirring, until it thickens and the oil separates and the solids turn golden brown. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Can I use another root crop?
Yes. Cassava, yam or sweet potato can be cooked and mashed the same way, though the texture will be softer and less stretchy than taro.
How long does it take to make Ha'apoe (Solomon Islands Taro Balls in Browned Coconut Cream)?
About 1 h in total: 25 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Ha'apoe (Solomon Islands Taro Balls in Browned Coconut Cream)?
About 320 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 48 g of carbohydrates and 13 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 430 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
