Solomon Islands Poi

Name: Solomon Islands Poi
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Solomon Islands
Ingredients: 3 lbs taro root, peeled and cut into chunks; 1 cup water, plus more as needed; Pinch of salt

6 servings15 min prep40 min cookEasy Solomon Islands

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Solomon Islands Poi

Story updated September 17, 2026

Poi in the Solomon Islands, made by pounding and often fermenting taro or banana, reflects a Pacific Islander tradition of processing root crops both to preserve them and to make them more digestible. Similar pounded-starch dishes appear under related names throughout Melanesia and Polynesia.

Ingredients

Scale:· 6 servings

3 lbs taro root, peeled and cut into chunks
1 cup water, plus more as needed
Pinch of salt

Instructions

1Place the taro chunks in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
2Simmer for 30-35 minutes until the taro is completely soft and falls apart easily.
3Drain the taro, reserving a little of the cooking water.
4Mash or pound the taro thoroughly, adding reserved water gradually to reach a smooth, sticky paste.
5Season with a pinch of salt.
6Serve as a starchy side dish alongside fish or greens.

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