Mangu

saksak

Next Dish: Massalé

Saksak is a traditional dessert from Papua New Guinea. It is a dumpling made from sago, a starch extracted from the pith of various tropical palm stems, and bananas, which are wrapped in banana leaves and then steamed or boiled. The dish has a gelatinous texture and a sweet flavor. It is often served during special occasions or as a snack.

sago pearls

water

banana leaf

coconut

powdered sugar

Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of sago pearls

  • 1 cup of sugar

  • 2 cups of water

  • 1 cup of grated coconut

  • 2 cups of banana leaves


Instructions:

  1. Rinse the sago pearls under running water until the water runs clear.

  2. In a large pot, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil.

  3. Once the water is boiling, add the rinsed sago pearls and cook until they become translucent. This should take about 10 minutes.

  4. Add the sugar to the pot and stir until it is fully dissolved.

  5. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes.

  6. While the sago pearls are simmering, prepare the banana leaves by cutting them into squares and wilting them over an open flame. This will make them more pliable.

  7. Once the sago mixture has finished simmering, remove it from the heat and let it cool.

  8. Once the mixture has cooled, spoon it onto the center of each banana leaf square.

  9. Sprinkle the grated coconut over the sago mixture.

  10. Fold the banana leaves over the mixture to create a packet. Secure the packet with a toothpick if necessary.

  11. Steam the packets in a steamer for about 15 minutes.

  12. Serve the Saksak warm or chilled.