Samoan Vaisalo (Young Coconut Porridge)

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Total: 35 minutes | Serves: 6
Best For: Breakfast, dessert, summer meals

An Island Comfort Dish Made With Young Coconut

This Samoan Vaisalo recipe is simple to make and uses minimal ingredients, letting the natural flavour of young coconut shine. It’s gently cooked on the stove and comes together with very little effort, making it perfect for relaxed mornings or special family moments.

Beyond the method, this is the kind of food that carries memories. Even when young coconuts are hard to find or expensive, the first spoonful makes it all worthwhile. It’s a dish that reminds us of home, gratitude, and slowing down to enjoy food made with care.

Ingredients for Samoan Vaisalo

• 6 young coconuts (liquid and soft flesh)

• ½ cup sago

• Water, as needed

• Sugar, to taste

• Coconut cream or coconut milk, to finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the coconuts
   Crack open the young coconuts and collect all the liquid and soft coconut flesh.

2. Blend lightly
   Add the coconut liquid and flesh to a blender and blend for 4–5 seconds only, leaving small pieces of coconut.

3. Bring to the boil
   Pour the blended coconut mixture into a pot and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.

4. Soak the sago
   Soak the sago in equal parts water, ensuring the water level sits slightly above the sago.

5. Add and cook the sago
   Once the coconut mixture is boiling, add the soaked sago and stir continuously so it does not stick.

6. Cook until translucent
   Continue cooking until the sago turns clear and soft.

7. Sweeten and adjust
   Add sugar to taste and water as needed to reach your preferred consistency.

8. Finish with coconut
   Turn off the heat and stir in coconut cream for a thicker finish, or coconut milk for a lighter, more runny consistency.

Helpful Tips

• Do not overblend the coconut or the texture will be too smooth

• Stir continuously once sago is added to prevent sticking

• Vaisalo thickens as it cools, so loosen with water if needed

• Delicious served hot or chilled straight from the fridge

Why This Recipe Works

• Uses minimal, traditional ingredients

• Naturally gluten-free and nourishing

• Can be enjoyed hot or cold

• Simple method suitable for beginner cooks

• Deeply rooted in Samoan island food traditions

Explore More Family-Friendly Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also love:

• Panikeke (Samoan Pancakes)

• Kopai Koko (Samoan Cocoa with Soft Chewy Dough Balls)

• Suafa’i (Traditional Samoan Porridge)