Entree: Vanuatu – Nalot (Baked banana‑leaf pudding of grated root crop and coconut often filled with meat)

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 25 min

Cook 1 hr 15 min

Total 1 hr 40 min

Ingredients

- 3 cups (360 g) grated cassava or grated yam/taro
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) coconut cream
- 1 lb (450 g) pork shoulder, cut into 1/2-inch (1 cm) cubes
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (120 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (6 g)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tsp (5 g) sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp (1.5 g) ground black pepper
- 1 tsp (4 g) finely chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp (1 g) dried thyme
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) lime or lemon juice
- 2 banana leaves or large foil pieces for wrapping
- 1 small hot pepper (scotch bonnet or bird’s eye), whole (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). If using banana leaves, pass them quickly over a flame or hot skillet to soften, then wipe clean and cut into sheets large enough to wrap parcels.
2. In a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, warm 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil. Add the pork cubes and brown on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove pork and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add sliced onion and garlic; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in thyme, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
4. In a large bowl combine grated cassava (or yam/taro), coconut cream, and the sautéed onion mixture. Mix until a moist paste forms; fold in the browned pork pieces.
5. Lay a banana leaf sheet flat, spoon an even portion of the mixture (about 1/6 of total) into the center, and place a whole hot pepper on top if using. Fold the leaf neatly into a sealed parcel and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks. Repeat for remaining portions.
6. Place parcels in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, until the root mixture is set and pork is tender. Alternatively, steam parcels for 1 to 1 1/4 hours.
7. Remove parcels from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Carefully open banana leaves and serve hot, tearing pieces to share family-style.