Fijian Tortionata

Ingredients

In the Fijian adaptation of Tortionata, the traditional Italian ingredients are replaced with Fijian counterparts. Tropical fruits like pineapple and papaya are used instead of traditional vegetables, and Fijian spices like turmeric and ginger are incorporated to add a unique flavor profile. The dish retains the layered structure of the original, but the tropical twist gives it a distinct Fijian flair. We alse have the original recipe for Tortionata, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ginger 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup pineapple, diced 1 cup pineapple, diced
• 1 cup papaya, diced 1 cup papaya, diced
• 1 cup grated coconut 1 cup grated coconut
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 8g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
5. 5.
   Stir in the turmeric, ginger, cumin, and paprika, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. 6.
   Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly.
7. 7.
   In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked ground beef mixture.
8. 8.
   Top the beef layer with half of the diced pineapple, papaya, grated coconut, and grated cheddar cheese.
9. 9.
   Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pineapple — Make sure to use fresh pineapple for the best flavor. If fresh pineapple is not available, you can use canned pineapple, but make sure to drain it well before using.
• Papaya — Choose ripe papaya for a sweet and juicy flavor. The papaya should be firm but slightly soft to the touch.
• Turmeric — Turmeric can stain surfaces easily, so be careful when handling it. You can wear gloves or use a spoon to mix it into the dish to avoid staining your hands.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
• Serve the Fijian Tortionata with a side of coconut rice to complement the tropical flavors.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or chickpeas.
• Experiment with different tropical fruits like mango or guava for a variation in flavors.
• Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves for a burst of freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the Fijian Tortionata warm, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and plate it with a side of coconut rice or a fresh green salad. The dish pairs well with a refreshing tropical fruit juice or a chilled coconut water.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some grated coconut and chopped fresh herbs on top of the baked Tortionata. Arrange a few pineapple and papaya slices around the dish for an extra tropical touch. Serve it on a colorful platter to showcase the vibrant flavors of Fiji.