Topai (Tongan Dumplings in Coconut Syrup)
In short: Soft flour dumplings simmered in sweet coconut cream until the syrup turns glossy, a quick Tongan dessert made from pantry staples. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 10 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 440 kcal
Topai is a quick, comforting Tongan dessert of soft dumplings cooked in sweet coconut syrup. The dough is simple, just flour, a little sugar and baking powder, and the dumplings puff as they simmer in coconut cream and sugar. The syrup thickens into a glossy sauce that the dumplings soak up. It is made at home from pantry staples and served warm, straight from the pot.
Instructions
- Stir the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar together. Add the coconut oil and enough water to make a soft dough. Knead for 1 minute, cover and rest for 10 minutes.
- In a wide pot with a lid, heat the coconut cream, water, sugar and salt, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Roll the dough into 18 balls of about 25 g (1 oz) each and flatten them slightly. Drop them into the simmering syrup in a single layer.
- Cover and simmer very gently for 12 to 15 minutes without lifting the lid for the first 10 minutes, until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
- Uncover and simmer for 3 minutes to thicken the syrup. Rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm with plenty of syrup.
Tips
- Keep the heat low. A hard boil makes the coconut cream split and the dumplings burst.
- The syrup should coat a spoon like thin custard. It thickens as it cools, so loosen it with a splash of hot water if needed.
Questions and answers
What is topai?
Topai is a Tongan dessert of soft flour dumplings simmered in sweet coconut cream syrup. It is a quick treat made from pantry ingredients.
Can I make topai ahead of time?
Yes, but the dumplings drink up syrup as they stand. Reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Can I use coconut milk instead of cream?
Coconut cream gives a richer syrup. If you only have coconut milk, simmer it for 10 minutes first to thicken it.
How long does it take to make Topai (Tongan Dumplings in Coconut Syrup)?
About 40 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Topai (Tongan Dumplings in Coconut Syrup)?
About 440 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 63 g of carbohydrates and 18 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 440 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 63 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 32 g |
| Sodium | 330 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
