Simboro (Vanuatu Leaf Rolls in Coconut Cream)
In short: Greens rolled around grated taro or cassava and coconut, then simmered gently in coconut cream, a Vanuatu market-stall favorite. It takes about 1 h 10 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 1 h 10 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 380 kcal
Simboro is a market-stall dish from Vanuatu. Large green leaves are rolled around a filling of grated root vegetable and coconut, and the rolls are simmered in coconut cream until the filling turns soft and sticky. The leaf is traditionally island cabbage or taro. Silverbeet, which holds its shape well, is an easy substitute abroad. Serve the rolls hot, with the creamy sauce spooned over.
Instructions
- Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 1 minute, then move them to cold water. Drain and pat dry.
- Mix the grated taro, coconut and 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a sticky mass. Divide it into 8 portions.
- Lay a leaf vein side up and put a portion of filling near the stem end. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly into a neat parcel.
- In a wide pot, combine the coconut cream, water, onion and 1/4 teaspoon of salt and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the rolls seam side down in a single layer.
- Cover and simmer very gently for 30 minutes, turning the rolls once halfway, until the filling is cooked through and soft and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve hot with the sauce spooned over.
Tips
- Squeeze the grated root lightly if it is very wet, so the filling holds together. Thawed frozen grated cassava saves time.
- If you use taro leaves, simmer them until completely soft, or they can cause an itchy throat. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer so it does not split.
Questions and answers
What is simboro?
Simboro is a Vanuatu dish of leaves rolled around grated root vegetable and coconut and simmered in coconut cream. It is sold at market food stalls.
What is island cabbage?
Island cabbage, also called aibika, is a leafy green widely eaten in the Pacific. Silverbeet, spinach or taro leaves are the usual substitutes.
Can I steam the rolls instead?
Yes. Wrap each roll in foil or banana leaf and steam for 40 minutes, then pour warm coconut cream over them.
How long does it take to make Simboro (Vanuatu Leaf Rolls in Coconut Cream)?
About 1 h 10 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Simboro (Vanuatu Leaf Rolls in Coconut Cream)?
About 380 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 28 g of carbohydrates and 28 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 380 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
