Taro In Underground Oven (lu Pulaka)

Taro in Underground Oven (Lu Pulaka) is a traditional Niuean dish that involves cooking taro in an underground oven, resulting in a delicious and tender root vegetable.

Taro In Underground Oven (lu Pulaka)

Ingredients

  • 4 large taro roots, peeled and cleaned
  • Banana leaves
  • Coconut cream
  • Sea salt
  • Water

Instructions

  1. Dig a pit in the ground and line it with rocks.
  2. Build a fire in the pit and let it burn until the rocks are hot.
  3. Wrap each taro root in banana leaves and place them on the hot rocks.
  4. Cover the taro with more banana leaves and then with a layer of wet burlap sacks or a tarp.
  5. Let the taro cook in the underground oven for 3 hours.
  6. Remove the taro from the oven and carefully unwrap them.
  7. Serve the taro with a drizzle of coconut cream and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
3 hours
Total time:
3 hours
Cooking method
Underground oven (umu)

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
150 per serving
Carbohydrates
35g
Fiber
5g
Protein
2g

Supplies

Shovel Rocks Firewood Banana leaves Burlap sacks or tarp

Tools

Fire starter Knife

Serving suggestions

Serve the taro with grilled fish and a side of fresh tropical fruit salad.

Tips & tricks

Make sure the taro is fully cooked by testing it with a fork before serving.

Cost

$10