Like many people, I am extremely excited by the release of Disney’s Moana, and not just because she’s a strong female without a prince by her side. Growing up in Hawaii, I was surrounded by the unique pan-Pacific cultures featured in the film and believe their celebration in the media is long overdue.
Maui, the trickster demigod best known for creating the islands with his magical fishing hook, is foundational in Polynesian mythology. But Moana, which means “ocean” in many languages, is the real star who brings these cultures to life.
The Fijian, Tongan, Samoan, and Hawaiian cultures that inspired the film are all built on similar staple foods. Though the ingredients are simple, the care and love put into the preparation is apparent in these exceptionally flavored dishes. And if you meet anyone from the islands, you know we love to eat. Get in the spirit and celebrate the film’s release with these traditional Polynesian dishes.
Taro and poi
Taro is a starchy root vegetable similar to a potato that was the staple crop of many Pacific cultures. The root can be steamed, baked, boiled, or fried, while the leaves are typically wrapped around meats (Hawaiian laulau) or onions and coconut milk (Samoan palusami).
Though popular in bubble teas and baked goods, taro is commonly enjoyed as poi in Hawaii. The root is steamed, pounded, and fermented to form a slightly sweet and sour dish. You can buy it pre-made and add some water for a thinner consistency.
Sweet potato
Sweet potatoes are another Polynesian staple perfect for the fall season. Enjoy them plain to let their unique flavors shine through. Or steam them in coconut milk for an extra creamy and decadent side dish, which is a popular preparation method in Samoan and Tongan cuisine.
Kalua pig
This succulent, smoky pork dish is essential at any Hawaiian feast. Traditionally, a large pig is cooked in an underground pit called an imu. After it is placed over a fire, the pig is covered with banana leaves, hot rocks, and sand, then left to bake for an entire day. The slow cooking results in a tender meat similar to American pulled pork. Pair it with steamed cabbage, fresh rice, or a sweet roll and you’ve got the best lu‘au plate.
Kalua Pig
Ingredients
Instructions
Cut pork into 2-3 inch chunks.
Place pork in slow cooker. Sprinkle salt and liquid smoke and stir to coat meat.
Add water and cook on high for 8 hours.
Shred meat using a fork or your hands and serve.
Poke
Poke, which means “to cut crosswise into pieces,” was traditionally made with scraps of reef fish and seaweed tossed with kukui nuts and sea salt. Now, this Hawaiian dish is typically made with cubes of fresh tuna that are marinated in a sweet soy sauce. Other popular sauces include wasabi and Sriracha mayo with fish eggs. Enjoy it as a snack or make it a full meal by adding it to a bowl of steaming rice with toppings of your choice.
Shoyu Ahi Poke
Ingredients
Instructions
Use a sharp knife to cut tuna into 1-inch cubes.
Chop green onion into small pieces. Thinly slice white onion into 1/2-inch strips.
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate for several hours to allow flavors to blend.
Haupia
Haupia is a coconut milk dessert similar to pudding. These sweet white squares rose to popularity following WWII, and have quickly become a favorite way to end a Hawaiian meal. Traditional recipes mixed the coconut milk with pia, or ground arrowroot, but modern recipes use cornstarch as a thickener. Here’s a simple recipe to add a little sweetness to your Polynesian-inspired feast.
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Haupia (Coconut) Squares
Ingredients
Instructions
Heat milk, sugar, and 1 cup of water in a sauce pan on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Measure cornstarch into a small bowl. Warm remaining 1/2 cup of water and add it to the cornstarch, stirring to make a slurry.
When the milk mixture comes to a gentle boil, add the slurry and whisk constantly for three minutes.
Remove from heat and add extract.
Pour the hot mixture into an 8-inch square pan.
Cover the pudding with plastic wrap, making sure the plastic touches the surface of the pudding.
Chill for 4 hours or overnight. Cut into 25 squares and enjoy!
Whether you’re excited for a Polynesian princess or ready for another Disney musical, take this time to relax and enjoy some ‘ono food with friends. (‘Ono means “delicious” in Hawaiian.)
