Sup Usr (Kosrae Fish and Banana Stew in Coconut Milk)
Local name: Sup usr
In short: Grated green banana thickens a coconut milk broth with chunks of tuna and red chili, a Kosrae stew made for Sundays and community occasions. 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
- 480 kcal
Sup usr is a fish stew from Kosrae, the easternmost state of the Federated States of Micronesia. Grated green banana melts into the coconut milk broth and thickens it into something between a soup and a porridge, with chunks of tuna and a little red chili. It is a dish for Sundays and community occasions. The local banana gives the broth a purplish tint, while plantain makes it pale cream.
Instructions
- Rub a little oil on your hands, since the sap stains. Grate the peeled plantains on the fine side of a box grater, or pulse in a food processor, into a thick pulp.
- Bring the water, coconut milk, onion, chilies and salt to a gentle simmer in a large pot.
- Whisk in the grated plantain in a slow stream so it does not clump. Simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until the stew thickens and the plantain tastes cooked.
- Add the fish and simmer gently for 6 to 8 minutes, until it is opaque and reaches 63°C (145°F). Stir carefully so the chunks do not break up.
- Thin with hot water if the stew is too thick, taste for salt and serve hot with lime wedges.
Tips
- Use fully green, hard plantains, which are starchy and thicken the broth well. Ripe fruit turns the stew sweet and slimy.
- Stir often while the plantain thickens, because it sticks to the bottom of the pot. The stew keeps thickening as it stands, so add hot water when reheating.
Questions and answers
What is sup usr?
Sup usr is a Kosrae fish stew thickened with grated banana and enriched with coconut milk. It is made for Sundays and community gatherings.
Can I use other fish?
Yes. Any firm fish such as mahi-mahi, snapper or grouper works. Cut thick chunks and add them toward the end.
Why is my stew lumpy?
The grated plantain was probably added too quickly. Whisk it in slowly to the simmering liquid, then use a whisk to break up any lumps.
How long does it take to make Sup Usr (Kosrae Fish and Banana Stew in Coconut Milk)?
About 1 h in total: 25 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Sup Usr (Kosrae Fish and Banana Stew in Coconut Milk)?
About 480 kcal per serving, with 31 g of protein, 51 g of carbohydrates and 18 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 480 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 31 g |
| Carbohydrates | 51 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
