Main Course · Dinner · Pacific Island · Samoan ·

Coconut-Laden Samoan Palusami with Taro Leaves and Citrus

Name: Coconut-Laden Samoan Palusami with Taro Leaves and Citrus
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Coconut milk, 2 cans (400 ml each); Onion, 1 medium, finely chopped; Garlic, 2 cloves, minced; Sea salt, 1 teaspoon; Lemon zest, 1 tablespoon; Fresh taro leaves, 1 kg, washed and drained; Lemon juice, 2 tablespoons; Black pepper, ½ teaspoon; Vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons

Experience the rich flavors of the Pacific Islands with this savory dish of taro leaves infused with creamy coconut milk and a hint of citrus.

4.5(125 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 16, 2026

Coconut-Laden Samoan Palusami with Taro Leaves and Citrus — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

Coconut Mixture

Taro Leaves

Baking Dish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 558 kcal
Protein: 11.65 g
Carbs: 37.98 g
Fat: 44.4 g
Fiber: 5.08 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2232 kcal
Protein: 46.6 g
Carbs: 151.9 g
Fat: 177.6 g
Fiber: 20.3 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Coconut milk 2 cans (400 ml each)	1432	12	24	148	0
Onion 1 medium, finely chopped	44	1	10	0	2
Garlic 2 cloves, minced	9	0.4	2	0	0.1
Sea salt 1 teaspoon	0	0	0	0	0
Lemon zest 1 tablespoon	6	0.1	2	0	0.8
Fresh taro leaves 1 kg, washed and drained	490	33	111	1.5	17
Lemon juice 2 tablespoons	8	0.1	2.2	0	0.1
Black pepper ½ teaspoon	3	0.1	0.7	0.1	0.3
Vegetable oil 2 tablespoons	240	0	0	28	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Coconut Mixture

1
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine coconut milk, onion, garlic, salt, and lemon zest.
2
Whisk Mixture
Whisk until all ingredients are well-blended.
3
Adjust Seasoning
Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.

Preparing the Taro Leaves

1
Remove Stems
Gently remove the stems and thick veins from the taro leaves.
2
Massage Leaves
Massage in lemon juice and pepper for a few minutes.
Tip: To enhance the citrus flavor, add a splash more lemon juice.
3
Set Aside
Set aside to absorb flavors.

How to Make Coconut-Laden Samoan Palusami with Taro Leaves and Citrus

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Assemble Dish
Layer the taro leaves in a greased baking dish, and pour the coconut mixture over the top.
2
Wrap Leaves
Gently fold over the taro leaves to encase the coconut mixture.
3
Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and bake for 1 hour.