Suafa’i (Samoan Ripe Plantain & Tapioca Savoury-Sweet Pot) – Authentic Samoa Recipe
Soothing Samoan hearth soup of caramelized ripe plantains and fragrant citrus coconut milk.
- Country of Origin
- 🇼🇸 Samoa (Polynesia, Oceania)
- Dietary Profile
- vegan
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 25 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Ripe plantains, Diced sweet potato, Toasted coconut, Coconut milk, Fresh ginger
Ingredients for Suafa’i (Samoan Ripe Plantain & Tapioca Savoury-Sweet Pot) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) ripe plantains, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups diced sweet potato, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup toasted coconut
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with coconut milk
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Samoa seasoning (fresh ginger, lime peel)
- 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Warm cooking oil in a heavy pot over medium heat; gently sweat the minced onion, garlic, and coconut milk for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in fresh ginger, lime peel and toast for 45 seconds to release the essential oils of Samoa's kitchen.
- Add ripe plantains and diced sweet potato, tossing to coat in the aromatic base.
- Pour in the stock, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 18–20 minutes until tender and deeply flavorful.
- Fold in toasted coconut, adjust seasoning, and ladle steaming hot into deep bowls.