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Palusami — traditional dish from Apia, Samoa
Main course Vegetarian

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥320kcal
💪7gProtein
🌾17gCarbs
🥑25gFat
🌿11gFibre
⚖️350 gServing

* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.

Palusami

How to order / say it
Say it Palusami — [pah-loo-sah-mee]
Order I'd like Palusami, please.
Locally Ou te fia maua Palusami, fa'amolemole.
Say locally

Taro leaves baked in coconut cream.

Why try it?

Palusami is central to Samoan feasts, reflecting the island's agricultural roots and tropical flavors. It's beloved for the earthy taste of taro leaves paired with rich coconut.

How it tastes

The dish has a rich, earthy flavor with a creamy texture. The coconut cream makes the taro leaves tender and infuses a subtle sweetness, creating a comforting side.

Origin & History — first documented: 1890

Palusami has been a part of communal Samoan meals since the late 19th century, originally served during special occasions due to its hearty and pleasing taste.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🥕 200 g taro leaves
  • 🥛 200 ml coconut cream
  • 🧄 50 g onion
  • 🧂 5 g salt

Method

  1. 1 Chop the onion finely.
  2. 2 Layer taro leaves with coconut cream and onions.
  3. 3 Season with salt.
  4. 4 Wrap tightly in banana leaves.
  5. 5 Bake until leaves are tender.
All Oceania recipes — Samoa — Apia — Palusami
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