Pulaka with Coconut

Name: Pulaka with Coconut
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Tuvalu
Ingredients: 2 lbs pulaka (giant swamp taro), peeled and cut into chunks; 2 cups coconut cream; 2 tbsp sugar; Pinch of salt

6 servings15 min prep35 min cookEasy Tuvalu

♡ Sign in to save Print / Save as PDFPro

The Story Behind It

The Tale of Pulaka with Coconut

Story updated September 17, 2026

Pulaka, giant swamp taro, is grown in specially dug pits on Tuvalu's low-lying atolls, where ordinary soil is scarce, making it a critical crop for the country's food security. Cooked with coconut, it represents one of the most resourceful and essential food traditions in Tuvalu.

Ingredients

Scale:· 6 servings

2 lbs pulaka (giant swamp taro), peeled and cut into chunks
2 cups coconut cream
2 tbsp sugar
Pinch of salt

Instructions

1Place the pulaka chunks in a large pot and cover with water.
2Boil for 25-30 minutes until completely tender when pierced with a fork.
3Drain the pulaka well and return to the pot.
4Warm the coconut cream with sugar and salt in a small saucepan.
5Pour the sweetened coconut cream over the pulaka and toss gently to coat.
6Serve warm as a starchy side dish or light dessert.

Want Cook Mode, your own recipe photos, and unlimited calculators?

Get Home Cooking Pro

Comments

Loading comments…