Introduction: Octopus (eke) is gathered from the reefs surrounding the islands, and this lightly marinated appetizer showcases its tender texture against sharp lime and rich coconut. Cultural Background: Octopus (eke) is gathered from the reefs surrounding the islands, and this lightly marinated appetizer showcases its tender texture against sharp lime and rich coconut. It is […]
Introduction: Pumpkin grows readily in Cook Islands gardens and is often paired with coconut cream, a combination that appears across the soups and puddings of the islands. Cultural Background: Pumpkin grows readily in Cook Islands gardens and is often paired with coconut cream, a combination that appears across the soups and puddings of the islands. […]
Introduction: Rukau is one of the most iconic dishes of the Cook Islands, made from young taro leaves slow-cooked in rich coconut cream with corned beef or onion. Cultural Background: Rukau is one of the most iconic dishes of the Cook Islands, made from young taro leaves slow-cooked in rich coconut cream with corned beef […]
Introduction: Ika mata is the best-known dish of the Cook Islands, a Polynesian relative of ceviche where raw fish is 'cooked' in citrus juice before being folded through fresh coconut cream and vegetables. Cultural Background: Ika mata is the best-known dish of the Cook Islands, a Polynesian relative of ceviche where raw fish is 'cooked' […]
Introduction: A firmer, chilled cousin of arrowroot porridge, this simple pudding sets into a smooth, jelly-like dessert once cooled, and is a traditional treat served at family gatherings. Cultural Background: A firmer, chilled cousin of arrowroot porridge, this simple pudding sets into a smooth, jelly-like dessert once cooled, and is a traditional treat served at […]
Introduction: A refreshing, simply dressed salad served alongside richer dishes such as rukau or umukai, balancing heavier coconut-cream mains with something crisp and cool. Cultural Background: A refreshing, simply dressed salad served alongside richer dishes such as rukau or umukai, balancing heavier coconut-cream mains with something crisp and cool. Tips: Add the coconut just before […]
Introduction: Dense, fragrant sweets made from roasted semolina, sugar and coconut, ladu (also spelled laddu) reflect the strong Indian influence on Comorian sweets, most often appearing at weddings and religious celebrations. Cultural Background: Dense, fragrant sweets made from roasted semolina, sugar and coconut, ladu (also spelled laddu) reflect the strong Indian influence on Comorian sweets, […]
Introduction: Young cassava leaves are pounded and slow-cooked in coconut milk with fish or octopus in this hearty Comorian lunch dish. Cultural Background: Young cassava leaves are pounded and slow-cooked in coconut milk with fish or octopus in this hearty Comorian lunch dish. Mataba shows the islands' deep reliance on both cassava, a staple crop, […]
Introduction: A gently spiced lentil soup enriched with coconut milk, this dish shows the coconut-heavy leanings of Comorian cooking even in its simplest, most everyday meals. Cultural Background: A gently spiced lentil soup enriched with coconut milk, this dish shows the coconut-heavy leanings of Comorian cooking even in its simplest, most everyday meals. It's warming, […]
Introduction: A lightly sweetened coconut flatbread, mkatra sukari is a step up from everyday mkatra foutra, usually saved for weekend breakfasts or when guests are visiting. Cultural Background: A lightly sweetened coconut flatbread, mkatra sukari is a step up from everyday mkatra foutra, usually saved for weekend breakfasts or when guests are visiting. Tips: Roll […]