Suulage

Suulage is a traditional Samoan dish consisting of cooked taro leaves, often with coconut cream and sometimes other ingredients like corned beef or onions. It is a staple food in Samoan cuisine and is commonly prepared for everyday meals and special occasions. The preparation typically involves boiling or steaming the taro leaves until they are tender, followed by mixing them with fresh coconut cream. This mixture is then often wrapped in banana leaves and baked or steamed further to meld the flavors.

The texture of suulage is soft and creamy, with the coconut cream imparting a rich and slightly sweet flavor that complements the earthy taste of the taro leaves. Variations exist, with some adding chili for a spicy kick or other vegetables to enhance the nutritional content and flavor profile. Suulage is frequently served as a side dish alongside other Samoan specialties such as oka (raw fish salad) or palusami, which is a similar dish often made with breadfruit or taro leaves and coconut cream but can be a distinct preparation. Its preparation highlights the Samoan tradition of using fresh, local ingredients and the importance of coconut in their diet.