Fa’alifu Ulu (Samoan Breadfruit in Coconut Cream)

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 45 minutes | Serves: 4–6
Best For: Family meals, traditional cooking, coconut-based dishes

A Traditional Samoan Coconut Dish Made With Breadfruit

Fa’alifu Ulu is a traditional Samoan dish prepared in the same way as other fa’alifu recipes, where the main ingredient is first cooked, then finished in coconut cream. The breadfruit is boiled until tender, drained, and returned to heat with coconut cream, onion, and salt.

This method reflects Samoan home cooking — simple, careful, and focused on texture. Once the coconut cream comes to the boil and thickens, the dish is ready to serve and best enjoyed warm.

Ingredients for Fa’alifu Ulu

• 1 medium breadfruit (ulu), peeled, cored, and chopped

• 2 cups thick coconut cream

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• Salt, to taste

• Water, for boiling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the breadfruit
   Peel the breadfruit, remove the core, and cut into even-sized pieces.

2. Boil the breadfruit
   Place the breadfruit into a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until just tender. Drain well.

3. Prepare the coconut cream mixture
   In a bowl, combine coconut cream, chopped onion, and salt.

4. Finish the dish
   Return the drained breadfruit to the pot and place back over medium heat. Pour over the coconut cream mixture.

5. Bring to the boil
   Allow the coconut cream to come to a gentle boil, stirring carefully so the breadfruit doesn’t break.

6. Cut the heat and serve
   Once the coconut cream has boiled and thickened, turn off the heat and serve warm.

Helpful Tips

• Do not overboil the breadfruit or it will break

• Coconut cream should boil briefly, not reduce too far

• Best served immediately

Why This Recipe Works

• Matches traditional fa’alifu method

• Simple, affordable ingredients

• Naturally gluten-free

• Comforting and filling

• Easy to pair with other Samoan dishes

Explore More Family-Friendly Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also love:

• Fa’alifu Fa’i (Green Banana in Coconut Cream)

• Fa’alifu Talo (Taro in Coconut Cream)

• Fa’iai Fe’e (Samoan Octopus in Coconut Cream)