Entree: Solomon Islands – Ulu (Breadfruit and fish curry)
Serving Size: 4
Approximate Time
Prep
20 min
Cook
25 min
Total
45 min
Ingredients
- 3 cups (450 g) cooked ulu (breadfruit), peeled and cubed
- 1 lb (454 g) firm white fish fillets (snapper, trevally, or similar), skin removed and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) chunks
- 1 can (13.5 fl oz / 400 ml) coconut milk
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (about 6 oz / 170 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 6 g)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh ginger, minced (about 8 g)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) curry powder
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground turmeric
- 1 medium tomato, chopped (about 5 oz / 140 g)
- 1 small green chili, slit or thinly sliced (to taste)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, or to taste
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the ulu: If using raw breadfruit, peel, core, and cut into 1- to 2-inch (2.5–5 cm) pieces. Place in a pot of salted water, bring to a boil, and simmer 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside. If using precooked ulu, warm gently.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté 5–7 minutes until soft and beginning to brown.
3. Add the minced garlic and ginger; sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the curry powder and turmeric and cook 30–45 seconds to bloom the spices.
4. Add the chopped tomato and sliced green chili; cook 3–4 minutes until the tomato softens and releases juices.
5. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and lime juice. Let the sauce simmer 5 minutes to meld flavors.
6. Gently add the fish chunks to the simmering curry, spooning sauce over them. Cook 5–7 minutes, or until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
7. Fold the cooked ulu into the curry gently, warming it through for 2–3 minutes so it absorbs the sauce without breaking apart.
8. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with extra steamed rice or flatbread if desired.
