Easy Vakalolo (Fijian Dessert)

Vakalolo is a signature dessert of the Fiji Islands. It celebrates the tropical ingredients of cassava and coconut. Combine this with sugar and spices such as nutmeg, cardamon, steam them together and you get an irresistibly delicious sweet. In the northern part of the Fiji Islands, this is also known as 'Mandrai'.

Traditionally, Vakalolo is made with fresh cassava which is grated finely. Fresh ripe coconuts are also husked, peeled, split, and then grated. Fresh cassava can be found in Australia in markets and ripe coconuts are readily available, however, this recipe uses frozen grated cassava and coconut which makes it so much quicker, and the results are just as good. You can find grated cassava and coconut at most Indian grocery shops. Traditionally parcels are made in banana leaves for steaming. Alternatively, you can simply use aluminum foil.

Vakalolo brings back a lot of memories of school in Fiji. In school, toward the end of the year, for fundraising, students would participate in preparing Vakalolo. This freshly made treat would then be sold at the canteen during recess or lunch. It was just so yum.

So here it is. Make it today and enjoy it!

Ingredients:

2 cups grated cassava

1 cup of sugar

3/4 cup grated coconut

1-inch fresh ginger - finely grated

1 tbsp ground ginger (optional)

1 tbsp golden syrup (optional)

1 tsp cardamom powder (optional)

1 tsp nutmeg (optional)

2 fresh banana leaves or aluminum foil

How to Make Vakalolo:

1. In a large basin, add all ingredients and stir well. Ensure that every ingredient is combined well.

2. Wash banana leaves. Cut the leaves in 25cm - 30cm lengths.

3. Place 2 - 3 tablespoons of the mixture onto the banana leaf and wrap the mixture so that it is totally encased. Alternatively, you can make parcels in aluminum foil.

4. Place the parcels in a steamer and steam for at least 1 hour.

5. Remove from heat and enjoy.

You will need:

A steamer. This is available on amazon.com.au. Check it out!

Tips:

Ginger makes all the difference. I find having a stronger ginger flavour makes it taste even better!

Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. Before steaming, you can taste the mixture to see if you are happy with the sweetness as well.