Baked Breadfruit with Coconut Cream (Mei Fakapapa)
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Medium breadfruit, peeled, cored and cut into large chunks — 1
- Coconut cream — 250 ml (1 cup)
- Salt — 1/2 tsp
- Coconut oil or butter — 1 tbsp
Method
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Place the breadfruit chunks in a baking dish in a single layer.
- Pour the coconut cream evenly over the breadfruit, sprinkle with salt, and dot with coconut oil or butter.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the breadfruit is completely tender when pierced with a knife.
- Uncover and bake for a further 5–8 minutes to let the coconut cream reduce slightly and lightly brown the top.
- Serve hot, spooning the coconut cream over each portion.
Introduction: Breadfruit is one of the four staple foods that typify Tokelauan cuisine, alongside taro, fish and coconut.
Cultural Background: Breadfruit is one of the four staple foods that typify Tokelauan cuisine, alongside taro, fish and coconut.
Baked whole or in chunks and finished with coconut cream, it becomes a soft, comforting side dish central
to daily meals.
Tips: Choose a breadfruit that's starting to soften slightly for the best flavour and texture once baked. Cut the breadfruit into even-sized chunks so it cooks through uniformly.
Variations: Add a scattering of finely chopped onion before baking for extra savoury depth. Mash the baked breadfruit with the coconut cream for a smoother side. Naturally vegan and vegetarian.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a covered dish in a 160°C (325°F) oven for 15 minutes, or gently on the stovetop.
FAQs:
Q: What does breadfruit taste like?
A: Mildly sweet and starchy, similar to a cross between potato and fresh bread once cooked.
Q: Can I boil the breadfruit instead of baking?
A: Yes, boil until tender, then toss with warmed coconut cream and salt, though baking gives a richer flavour.
Q: Where can I find breadfruit?
A: Fresh or frozen breadfruit is available at Pacific Island, Caribbean, and some Asian and Latin American grocers.
- Medium breadfruit, peeled, cored and cut into large chunks — 1
- Coconut cream — 250 ml (1 cup)
- Salt — 1/2 tsp
- Coconut oil or butter — 1 tbsp
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