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Coconut Pudding (Pulou Popo)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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5
Servings

Ingredients

  • Grated coconut — 160 g (5.5 oz)
  • Arrowroot or cornstarch — 60 g (2 oz)
  • Coconut milk — 240 ml (8 fl oz)
  • Sugar — 100 g (3.5 oz)
  • Of Salt — pinch

Method

  1. Combine the grated coconut, arrowroot, coconut milk, sugar and salt in a bowl, mixing thoroughly until smooth.
  2. Pour into a greased dish.
  3. Steam for 40–45 minutes until set and firm to the touch.
  4. Let cool slightly before slicing into pieces.

Introduction: A dense, chewy pudding made from grated coconut, arrowroot and sugar, steamed until set, a traditional Niuean sweet treat.

Cultural Background: Coconut puddings like this appear across Niue and the wider Polynesian region, made for family gatherings and special occasions, showcasing the ever-present coconut in a sweet, celebratory form.

Tips: Mix thoroughly to avoid lumps of arrowroot in the finished pudding. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting for the neatest pieces.

Variations: Add a few chopped bananas to the mixture for extra sweetness. Wrap individual portions in banana leaf before steaming for a traditional presentation.

Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Serve at room temperature or gently steam for a few minutes to warm through.

FAQs:

Q: What is arrowroot used for here?

A: It acts as a thickener, giving the pudding its characteristic dense, slightly chewy set texture.

Q: Is this pudding very sweet?

A: It has a moderate sweetness, adjustable to taste.