Tahitian Sweet Potatoes with Fei

Tahitian Sweet Potatoes with Fei Recipe - Delicious and Flavorful

Region / culture: Tahiti, Thailand | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tahitian Sweet Potatoes with Fei is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the creaminess of coconut milk and the heat of red curry paste. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests with its exotic flavors.

History

This recipe originates from the islands of Tahiti, where sweet potatoes and bananas are staple ingredients in the local cuisine. The combination of these two ingredients creates a unique and delicious dish that is loved by locals and visitors alike.

Ingredients

3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 tbsp cooking oil
1 (13.5 oz (383 g)) can light coconut milk
1 – 2 tbsp red curry paste
1 lime
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
3 firm bananas (slightly green)
3 – 4 Thai red chili peppers, sliced
2 tbsp chopped cilantro

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, heat the oil.
Add the potatoes and cook until lightly browned on the outside.
Add the coconut milk, curry paste, lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar to the pan, stirring well to combine.
Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
Peel and slice the bananas into chunks and stir them in with the potatoes.
Cook over low heat for 5–7 minutes or until heated through and the bananas have softened but are still intact.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced chili peppers before serving.
Serve hot.

Variations

Add diced chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Substitute the sweet potatoes with regular potatoes for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to dice the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the amount of red curry paste to suit your spice preference.

- Be careful when adding the fish sauce, as it can be quite salty. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tahitian Sweet Potatoes with Fei with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the dish covered to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes.

- Substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce for a vegetarian version.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced chili peppers for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Tahitian Sweet Potatoes with Fei with a crisp white wine or a fruity tropical cocktail.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tahitian Sweet Potatoes with Fei contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tahitian Sweet Potatoes with Fei contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tahitian Sweet Potatoes with Fei contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Tahitian Sweet Potatoes with Fei contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, thanks to the sweet potatoes and bananas.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish sauce, which may not be suitable for those with fish allergies.

Summary

Tahitian Sweet Potatoes with Fei is a nutritious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tahitian Sweet Potatoes with Fei is a delicious and exotic dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests. With its unique combination of sweet potatoes, bananas, and coconut milk, this dish is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Tahitian Sweet Potatoes with Fei. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Tahiti. My grandmother, who was known for her amazing cooking skills, had invited some neighbors over for a special dinner. I remember watching her as she carefully peeled and chopped the sweet potatoes, and sliced the fei into thin rounds. The kitchen was filled with the warm, earthy scent of the sweet potatoes and the sweet, floral aroma of the fei.

As my grandmother worked, she shared with me the story of how she had learned to make this dish. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations of our family, starting with my great-great-grandmother who had learned it from a Tahitian friend many years ago. Over the years, the recipe had evolved as each generation added their own twist to it, making it uniquely our own.

I watched in awe as my grandmother combined the sweet potatoes and fei in a large pot with coconut milk, sugar, and a touch of cinnamon. She simmered the mixture over a low flame, stirring occasionally until the sweet potatoes were tender and the fei had softened. The aroma wafting from the pot was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

When the sweet potatoes were finally ready, my grandmother ladled some into a bowl and handed it to me. I took a cautious bite, savoring the creamy texture of the sweet potatoes and the delicate sweetness of the fei. The flavors danced on my tongue, a perfect balance of sweet and savory that I had never experienced before.

From that moment on, I was hooked on Tahitian Sweet Potatoes with Fei. I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make it, and she happily obliged. She showed me how to select the best sweet potatoes and fei, how to peel and chop them with precision, and how to season the dish just right. I watched her every move, committing the recipe to memory so that I could recreate it on my own one day.

As I grew older, I continued to make Tahitian Sweet Potatoes with Fei for my family and friends. Each time I prepared the dish, I felt a connection to my ancestors and to the rich culinary traditions of Tahiti. I loved sharing this piece of my heritage with others, watching their faces light up as they tasted the unique flavors of the sweet potatoes and fei.

Over the years, I have made some small adjustments to the recipe, adding a pinch of nutmeg here or a splash of vanilla there. I have experimented with different varieties of sweet potatoes and fei, always striving to perfect the dish while staying true to its roots. And as I cook, I feel my grandmother's presence with me, guiding my hands and whispering words of wisdom in my ear.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen preparing Tahitian Sweet Potatoes with Fei for yet another dinner party, I think back on that fateful day when I first learned the recipe. It has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a dish that never fails to delight and impress. And as I serve it to my guests, I know that I am passing on a piece of my heritage to the next generation, just as my grandmother did for me all those years ago.