Discover the delicious taste of Faiʻakai, a traditional sweet dish made from grated cassava and creamy coconut milk. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through making this delightful treat, perfect for special occasions or a unique dessert option. Learn how to prepare and enjoy Faiʻakai with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups grated cassava

- 1 cup coconut milk

- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Cassava: If using fresh cassava, peel and grate it finely. If using frozen cassava, thaw and drain excess water.

Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cassava, sugar, salt, and coconut milk. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Cook the Mixture: Pour the mixture into a non-stick pan and cook over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent sticking. Cook until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 10-15 minutes.

Add Vanilla: If using, stir in the vanilla extract.

Cool and Serve: Transfer the cooked cassava mixture into a serving dish. Let it cool to room temperature. Garnish with shredded coconut if desired.

Enjoy: Serve Faiʻakai as a sweet treat or dessert.

Nutritional values

2 cups grated cassava

 - Calories: About 320 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 80g

 - Fiber: 5g

 - Protein: 2g

 - Vitamin C: 10 mg

 - Potassium: 600 mg

Benefits:

 - High in carbohydrates, providing a good source of energy.

 - Contains dietary fiber which aids in digestion and helps maintain bowel health.

 - Provides potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart health.

 - Vitamin C content supports the immune system and promotes healthy skin.

1 cup coconut milk

 - Calories: About 450 kcal

 - Fat: 48g (mostly saturated fat)

 - Carbohydrates: 6g

 - Protein: 4g

Benefits:

 - Provides healthy fats that can support heart health and add creaminess to dishes.

 - Adds a rich, tropical flavor.

 - Contains some essential vitamins and minerals.

1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

 - Calories: About 400 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 100g

Benefits:

 - Sweetens the dish. However, excessive sugar intake should be monitored as it can contribute to weight gain and other health issues.

1/4 teaspoon salt

 - Sodium: About 575 mg

Benefits:

 - Enhances the flavor of the dish; use in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake, which can impact blood pressure.

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

Benefits:

 - Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to the dish.

 - Provides a subtle enhancement to the overall taste.

1/4 cup shredded coconut (for garnish, optional)

 - Calories: About 120 kcal

 - Fat: 11g (mostly saturated fat)

 - Carbohydrates: 4g

 - Fiber: 3g

Benefits:

 - Adds texture and flavor.

 - Contains healthy fats and fiber.

 - Provides a source of minerals like manganese and copper.

These ingredients combine to create a sweet and creamy dish with a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and flavor enhancements.