Vaifala Recipe: A Sweet and Creamy Samoan Dessert with Pineapple and Mango

Vaifala

Vaifala Recipe: A Sweet and Creamy Samoan Dessert with Pineapple and Mango
Region / culture: Samoa | Servings: 6

Introduction

Vaifala
Vaifala

Vaifala is a popular Samoan drink/dessert that combines the tropical flavors of pineapple and mango with sweetened condensed milk. It is a refreshing and creamy treat that is perfect for hot summer days.

History

Vaifala has its origins in Samoa, where it is a traditional drink enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The combination of fruit, milk, and sugar is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the islands.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. If you are not using crushed pineapple, drain and chop the pineapple. Reserve the drained syrup. If you are using any other fruit, drain (reserving syrup) and chop those as well.
  2. Place the fruit and about half of the fruit syrup in a large bottle or bowl.
  3. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and water, then mix.
  4. Add sugar to taste (approximately 2 tbsp).
  5. Chill well, or if serving immediately, add some ice.
  6. Before serving, stir well to prevent the pineapple from settling. Pour into a large glass and serve with a spoon (this is a drink that you both drink and eat).

Variations

  • Add other tropical fruits like papaya or guava for a different flavor.
  • Use coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free version.

Notes

  1. You can add 0.5-1 tsp of vanilla for an extra layer of flavour.
  2. Don't make the mistake of using fresh pineapple in this drink, because it quickly sours the milk, and makes for a bitter drink.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the vaifala well before serving to enhance the flavors.

- Stir well before serving to prevent the pineapple from settling at the bottom of the glass.

- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar.

- You can also add other fruits like papaya or guava for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve vaifala chilled in a large glass with a spoon for a fun and unique drinking experience.

Cooking Techniques

Mix the ingredients well to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use fresh pineapple and mango instead of canned fruits for a fresher flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare vaifala ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve vaifala in a large glass with a slice of pineapple or mango on the rim for a tropical touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Vaifala pairs well with grilled meats or seafood for a complete island-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover vaifala in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of vaifala contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of vaifala contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of vaifala contains approximately 5g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of vaifala contains approximately 2g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Vaifala is a good source of Vitamin C from the pineapple and mango.

Alergens

Vaifala contains dairy from the sweetened condensed milk.

Summary

Vaifala is a sweet and creamy drink/dessert that is a good source of carbohydrates and Vitamin C. It is a refreshing treat that is perfect for a hot day.

Summary

Vaifala is a delicious and refreshing Samoan drink/dessert that combines the flavors of pineapple, mango, and sweetened condensed milk. It is a simple yet satisfying treat that is perfect for a hot day.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend's grandmother in Samoa. The smell of coconut and fresh bread wafted through the air as she busily worked in the kitchen. I watched in awe as she expertly mixed ingredients, her hands moving with precision and grace.

Curious, I asked her what she was making, and she smiled warmly before telling me about Vaifala. She explained that it was a traditional Samoan dessert made with coconut milk, bread, and sugar. As she talked, I could see the passion and love she had for cooking, and I knew I had to learn how to make this dish.

I spent the rest of the day by her side, helping her measure ingredients and knead the dough. She shared stories of her own grandmother teaching her how to make Vaifala when she was a young girl, passing down the recipe through generations.

As the sun began to set, we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The Vaifala was warm and comforting, with a hint of sweetness that lingered on my tongue. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had helped create such a delicious dish.

From that day on, Vaifala became a staple in my cooking repertoire. Whenever I made it, I would think back to that sunny afternoon in Samoa and the kind grandmother who had shared her recipe with me.

Over the years, I continued to perfect my recipe, adding my own twist here and there. I discovered that using fresh coconut milk made all the difference, giving the dish a rich and creamy texture that was hard to resist.

I also learned that the key to a perfect Vaifala was to let the bread soak in the coconut milk mixture for just the right amount of time. Too short, and the bread would be dry and flavorless. Too long, and it would become mushy and unappetizing.

As I grew older, I shared the recipe for Vaifala with my own children and grandchildren, passing down the tradition just as my friend's grandmother had done for me. It became a family favorite, a dish that brought us together and reminded us of our heritage.

Each time I made Vaifala, I would think of all the hands that had touched this recipe before mine. From the grandmothers in Samoa to my friend's grandmother and now me, we were all connected through this simple yet delicious dessert.

And so, as I sit here now, with the scent of coconut and bread filling the air, I can't help but smile. I may have learned how to make Vaifala from someone else, but it has become a part of me, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Categories

| Beverage Recipes | Mango Recipes | Pineapple Recipes | Samoan Recipes |

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