Samoan Style Ital Stew

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the Jamaican Ital Stew is transformed into a Samoan delight by incorporating traditional Samoan ingredients and spices. The original dish typically includes ingredients like callaloo and yam, which are replaced with taro, breadfruit, and pumpkin in the Samoan version. Additionally, the use of Samoan spices like turmeric and ginger adds a distinct flavor profile to the stew. We alse have the original recipe for Ital Stew, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 taro root, peeled and cubed 1 taro root, peeled and cubed
• 1 breadfruit, peeled and cubed 1 breadfruit, peeled and cubed
• 1 small pumpkin, peeled and cubed 1 small pumpkin, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 17g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 10g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the grated ginger, turmeric powder, paprika, and cumin powder to the pot. Stir well to combine the spices with the onions and garlic.
3. 3.
   Add the cubed taro root, breadfruit, and pumpkin to the pot. Stir to coat the vegetables with the spices.
4. 4.
   Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. 6.
   Once the stew is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Serve the Samoan Style Ital Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Taro root — Make sure to peel the taro root properly as the skin can be tough. Use gloves while handling taro root as it may cause skin irritation for some individuals.
• Breadfruit — Choose a ripe breadfruit that is slightly soft to the touch. Remove the core and seeds before cubing it for the stew.
• Pumpkin — Use a small pumpkin variety like kabocha or butternut squash for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a chopped chili pepper to the stew.
• Serve the Samoan Style Ital Stew with steamed white rice or taro rolls for a complete meal.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or spinach to the stew for added nutrition and flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some of the cooked vegetables with a fork before serving.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.

Serving advice

Serve the Samoan Style Ital Stew hot in individual bowls. Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, consider serving the stew in a coconut shell or a wooden bowl. Sprinkle some turmeric powder on top for an extra pop of color.