Palusami is a traditional Polynesian dish featuring young taro leaves simmered in rich coconut cream with onions,seasoned to perfection you can cook it in 1hrs.

Originating from the Pacific Islands, this dish is often wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an underground oven, imparting a unique flavor. With roots deeply embedded in Polynesian culinary heritage, palusami remains a beloved and cherished dish, enjoyed for its simplicity and delicious taste.

Ingredients:

- Young taro leaves

- Coconut cream

- Onions

- Salt

Method:

1. Clean the taro leaves thoroughly and remove any tough stems.

2. Chop the onions finely.

3. In a bowl, mix the coconut cream with chopped onions and salt to taste.

4. Place a layer of taro leaves in a baking dish.

5. Pour the coconut cream mixture over the taro leaves, ensuring they are well coated.

6. Repeat layering until all taro leaves and coconut cream mixture are used.

7. Cover the baking dish with banana leaves or aluminum foil.

8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until the leaves are tender and the coconut cream is thick and fragrant.

9. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of palusami!

Nutrition Value:

1. Young Taro Leaves:

  - Calories: Approximately 35 calories per 100g

  - Carbohydrates: About 7g per 100g

  - Protein: Roughly 1g per 100g

  - Fat: Almost negligible, less than 0.2g per 100g

  - Sodium: Low, around 3mg per 100g

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B6

  - Minerals: Good source of potassium, calcium, and magnesium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Taro leaves are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are particularly rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function. Additionally, they provide antioxidants and contribute to overall digestive health.

2. Coconut Cream:

  - Calories: Approximately 330 calories per 100g

  - Carbohydrates: Around 6g per 100g

  - Protein: Roughly 3g per 100g

  - Fat: High, about 34g per 100g (mainly saturated fats)

  - Sodium: Low, around 15mg per 100g

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, and some B vitamins

  - Minerals: Good source of manganese, copper, and iron

  - Nutritional Benefit: Coconut cream provides a rich, creamy texture to dishes and is a good source of healthy fats. It also offers some essential minerals like iron and manganese. However, due to its high saturated fat content, it should be consumed in moderation.

3. Onions:

  - Calories: Approximately 40 calories per 100g

  - Carbohydrates: About 9g per 100g

  - Protein: Roughly 1g per 100g

  - Fat: Almost negligible, less than 0.2g per 100g

  - Sodium: Low, around 4mg per 100g

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and folate

  - Minerals: Good source of potassium and manganese

  - Nutritional Benefit: Onions add flavor and aroma to dishes without contributing many calories. They are low in fat and sodium but contain beneficial vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and potassium. Onions also contain antioxidants that may help protect against certain diseases.

4. Salt:

  - Calories: None

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: High, approximately 38,758mg per 100g

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: Primarily sodium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Salt is used primarily for seasoning and preservation in cooking. While it doesn't provide any macronutrients or significant vitamins, it is essential for maintaining electrolyte balance in the body. However, excessive salt intake can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure, so it should be used sparingly.