Ilatsipingi

Ilatsipingi is a traditional Fijian dish. It is a type of baked dish, often prepared in an earth oven known as a lovo. The primary ingredients typically include taro leaves, coconut milk, and sometimes other vegetables or meats. The taro leaves are usually mashed or blended before being mixed with the coconut milk and other fillings. This mixture is then wrapped in banana leaves to form parcels. These parcels are then placed in the lovo, which has been preheated with hot stones. The heat and steam from the lovo cook the ilatsipingi slowly, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. The preparation and cooking of ilatsipingi is often a communal activity, especially during special occasions and gatherings in Fiji. The taste is generally described as rich and creamy due to the coconut milk, with the taro leaves providing an earthy flavor.