Vakalolo (Fijian Cassava and Coconut Pudding)
In short: A sweet, chewy pudding of grated cassava, coconut milk and sugar, steamed until set and cut into squares, a Fijian feast dessert. It takes about 1 h 40 min in total and makes 12 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 1 h 15 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 1 h 40 min
- Servings
- 12
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 245 kcal
Vakalolo is a dense, chewy Fijian pudding of grated cassava, coconut cream and sugar, traditionally wrapped in leaves and cooked in the lovo. It is a favorite at family gatherings and celebrations. The flavor is sweet and mild, with the springy chew that cassava gives. This home version steams the pudding in a covered pan set in a water bath, then chills it so it slices cleanly into squares.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a 20 cm (8 in) square cake pan with banana leaves, softened over a flame, or baking paper. Boil a kettle.
- Stir the grated cassava, coconut milk, sugar, salt and ginger together in a large bowl until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the mixture into the pan and level the top. Cover the pan tightly with foil.
- Set the pan inside a deep roasting tin and pour boiling water into the tin until it comes halfway up the sides of the pan.
- Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes, until the pudding is firm, translucent and set in the center.
- Lift the pan out of the water and cool to room temperature, then chill for 1 hour. Cut into 12 squares.
Tips
- Peel the cassava thickly and remove the fibrous core, then grate it finely. Cassava must be fully cooked, and the pudding should look translucent and set.
- Frozen grated cassava, sold in many Asian and Latin shops, saves time. Thaw it and drain off excess water. A pinch of ground cardamom or cloves gives a spiced version.
Questions and answers
Can I use cassava flour instead of fresh cassava?
Not as a straight swap. Cassava flour behaves differently and makes a dry, pasty pudding. Use fresh or frozen grated cassava.
How long does vakalolo keep?
Covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. It firms up when cold, and slices can be warmed in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds.
Is vakalolo the same as cassava cake?
They are close relatives, both built on grated cassava and coconut. Vakalolo is made without eggs or dairy and is traditionally wrapped in leaves and steamed.
How long does it take to make Vakalolo (Fijian Cassava and Coconut Pudding)?
About 1 h 40 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 1 h 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Vakalolo (Fijian Cassava and Coconut Pudding)?
About 245 kcal per serving, with 2 g of protein, 45 g of carbohydrates and 6 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 245 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 13 g |
| Sodium | 60 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
