Koko Alaisa (Samoan Cocoa Rice Porridge)
Local name: Koko alaisa
In short: Soft rice simmered into a thick porridge with cocoa and sugar and finished with coconut milk, a Samoan breakfast and comfort dish. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 320 kcal
Koko alaisa is Samoa's cocoa rice, a sweet porridge eaten warm in the morning. Rice is cooked until very soft, then stirred with cocoa and sugar until it thickens into a glossy, chocolatey pudding. Traditionally the cocoa comes from koko Samoa, roasted local beans ground and formed into balls. Cocoa powder is a handy stand-in. A swirl of coconut milk on top makes it richer.
Instructions
- Put the rice, water and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes, until the rice is very soft and most of the water has been absorbed.
- Whisk the cocoa and sugar with the hot water in a bowl into a smooth, thin paste. If using cocoa balls, grate them first and stir until dissolved.
- Stir the cocoa mixture into the rice. Simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until thick and glossy.
- Stir in the coconut milk and heat through. Taste and add more sugar if you like.
- Serve hot in bowls with a drizzle of extra coconut milk.
Tips
- Dissolve the cocoa in hot water before adding it. Cocoa stirred in dry makes lumps that are hard to whisk out.
- The porridge keeps thickening as it stands, so loosen it with a splash of hot water or coconut milk. Stir often near the end to prevent sticking.
Questions and answers
What is koko alaisa?
Koko alaisa is a Samoan dish of rice cooked until soft and sweetened with cocoa. It is eaten as a warm breakfast porridge.
What is koko Samoa?
Koko Samoa is Samoan cocoa, made from roasted and ground cocoa beans shaped into balls. It is grated into hot water for the drink and into rice dishes.
Can I use another plant milk instead of coconut milk?
Yes. Soy or oat milk works, though the porridge will be less rich and the coconut flavour will be missing. Stir it in at the end and heat gently.
How long does it take to make Koko Alaisa (Samoan Cocoa Rice Porridge)?
About 35 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Koko Alaisa (Samoan Cocoa Rice Porridge)?
About 320 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 61 g of carbohydrates and 6 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 61 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 19 g |
| Sodium | 55 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
