Vanuatuan-style Stuffed Bread Rolls

Ingredients

In this Vanuatuan adaptation, the traditional Lebanese Asawer is transformed into a tropical delight. The original recipe's meat-based filling is replaced with a vegetarian filling that incorporates local Vanuatuan ingredients such as coconut, pineapple, and lime. The flavors are enhanced to reflect the vibrant and refreshing taste profile of Vanuatuan cuisine. Additionally, the cooking technique is modified to bake the rolls instead of frying them, resulting in a healthier and lighter version of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Asawer, so you can check it out.

• For the bread dough: For the bread dough:
• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) sugar 10g (2 tsp) sugar
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• 60ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil 60ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 cup grated coconut 1 cup grated coconut
• 1 cup finely chopped pineapple 1 cup finely chopped pineapple
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lime, zest and juice 1 lime, zest and juice
• 1 tsp ground turmeric 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• For brushing: For brushing:
• 2 tbsp melted butter 2 tbsp melted butter

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 8g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt for the bread dough. Gradually add warm water and vegetable oil, and knead until a smooth and elastic dough forms. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. 2.
   In the meantime, prepare the filling by mixing grated coconut, chopped pineapple, onion, garlic, lime zest, lime juice, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
3. 3.
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle.
4. 4.
   Place a spoonful of the filling mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the stuffed bread rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each roll. Brush the rolls with melted butter.
6. 6.
   Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls turn golden brown.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Coconut — Use fresh grated coconut for the best flavor and texture. If fresh coconut is not available, unsweetened desiccated coconut can be used as a substitute.
• Pineapple — Opt for ripe and juicy pineapple for a burst of tropical sweetness in the filling.
• Lime — Use freshly squeezed lime juice and zest to add a tangy and refreshing flavor to the filling.
• Turmeric — Turmeric adds a vibrant yellow color to the filling and offers a subtle earthy taste.
• Cumin — Toasting the cumin seeds and grinding them fresh will enhance the aroma and flavor of the filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a finely chopped chili pepper to the filling mixture.
• Experiment with different tropical fruits like mango or papaya to create your own unique flavor combinations.
• Serve the Stuffed Bread Rolls warm with a side of Vanuatuan chutney or dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• These rolls can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel immediately after removing them from the oven.

Serving advice

Serve the Vanuatuan-style Stuffed Bread Rolls as a main course or as part of a Vanuatuan feast. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Stuffed Bread Rolls on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint, to add a pop of color. The golden-brown crust of the rolls will create an inviting visual appeal.