Falai Maukegi (Samoan Pumpkin Stir-Fry)

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 40 minutes | Total: 55 minutes | Serves: 4–6
Best For: Family dinners, everyday meals, simple cooking

A Simple Everyday Samoan Pumpkin Dish

Falai Maukegi is a simple Samoan pumpkin stir-fry made with meat, onion, and garlic, then gently cooked until the pumpkin is soft and full of flavour. It’s an everyday dish — practical, affordable, and filling — often cooked when you want something warm and comforting without much effort.

This recipe reflects Samoan home cooking at its core: using what you have, cooking patiently, and letting the ingredients speak for themselves. Once the pumpkin is cooked, the dish is ready — no extra steps needed.

Ingredients for Falai Maukegi

• 1 medium pumpkin, peeled and chopped

• 500 g meat of choice (lamb or beef), chopped

• 1 onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• Oil, for cooking

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the oil
   Heat oil in a large pot or pan over medium heat.

2. Cook onion and garlic
   Add onion and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant.

3. Add the meat
   Add the meat and cook until tender, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the pumpkin
   Add the chopped pumpkin and stir to combine with the meat.

5. Cover and sweat
   Cover the pot with a lid and allow the pumpkin to sweat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Season and finish
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the pumpkin is soft and cooked through, remove from heat.

7. Serve
   Serve hot with rice, taro, or green banana.

Helpful Tips

• Cut pumpkin into even pieces for even cooking

• Stir occasionally to avoid sticking to the pot

• Use a heavy-based pot if possible

• Adjust seasoning once pumpkin softens

Why This Recipe Works

• Simple, affordable ingredients

• One-pot cooking method

• Flexible meat options

• Comforting and filling

• Perfect for everyday family meals

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