Taro and Coconut Stew
A comforting Samoan-inspired stew with tender taro root simmered in creamy coconut milk, flavored with ginger and turmeric. This samoan-inspired one pot ready in about 55 minutes pairs coconut milk, medium, finely chopped onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes taro roots
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 green, diced bell pepper
- 1 small, diced carrot
- 1 medium, diced potato
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 2 cloves garlic, minced, and sauté for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 green bell pepper, diced, and 1 small carrot, diced, and cook for 2 more minutes until slightly softened.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp turmeric, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 4: Add 2 medium taro roots, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes, 1 medium potato, diced, 1 cup chicken broth, and 1 cup coconut milk. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 5: Cover and simmer for 25 minutes, or until taro and potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Taro and Coconut Stew take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Taro and Coconut Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep coconut milk from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Taro and Coconut Stew?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Taro and Coconut Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Taro and Coconut Stew?
Samoan one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Simple and delicious, just like my grandmother used to make.
- ★★★★★
This was a hit at my dinner party! The taro was perfectly cooked and the coconut flavor was divine.
- ★★★★☆
The stew was a bit bland for my taste, but my kids loved it. Next time I'll add more spices.
