Collection
Cook Islands Recipes
A Polynesian nation that cures raw fish in coconut cream. Not sure what to eat in Cook Islands? Start with Eke Takare (Curried Octopus in Coconut Cream), Rukau (Taro Leaves in Coconut Cream), Pawpaw Poke and Cook Islands Poke. Here are 6 authentic Cook Islands recipes, each from a specific region, with cultural context and dietary substitutions for every table.
6 recipes
Ika MataRarotonga, Cook Islands · easy · 25 minRaw fish cured in lime and bathed in fresh coconut cream with cucumber, tomato, and spring onion.
Cook Islands PokeRarotonga, Cook Islands · easy · 55 minCooked ripe banana bound with arrowroot and baked until translucent, drowned in thick coconut cream, eaten at breakfast, at teatime, or alongside the main meal.
Curried SausagesRarotonga, Cook Islands · easy · 35 minBrowned sausages simmered in a mild curry-and-coconut gravy over rice, a Rarotongan family lunch.
Pawpaw PokeRarotonga, Cook Islands · easy · 55 minThe orange poke of Rarotonga: ripe pawpaw thickened with arrowroot, baked into a soft pudding and eaten on its own under sweet coconut cream.
Rukau (Taro Leaves in Coconut Cream)Rarotonga, Cook Islands · easy · 60 minYoung taro leaves slow-cooked with onion and coconut cream into a soft, silky green dish, the Cook Islands staple vegetable.
Eke Takare (Curried Octopus in Coconut Cream)Rarotonga, Cook Islands · medium · 95 minTender octopus simmered in a lightly curried coconut cream sauce, a Cook Islands seafood favourite served with rice or taro.
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