Wallis and Futuna

We had never heard of this small country with a population of around 12,000.  This country comprises of 3 islands and is a french protectorate.  However the cuisine is very similar to other islands in the south pacific with a slight influence of the invading countries cuisine from the past.  These islands are what tropical, carefree and stress free dreams are made from.  However finding traditional cuisine is quite challenging as ingredients are all very similar in these islands.  This time around I had grossly underestimated the time needed to prepare this dinner and what I thought would be a very simple meal to put together was not so at all.  Sometimes we have a really hard time finding an online radio station for a particular country.   However we found one that worked quite well easily and could feel the tropical breeze through the radio (internet) airwaves.

The Menu

Stuffed Green Bananas

A simple recipe of ground pork, green onions, salt and pepper, and chopped green bananas.   I substituted the pork with bacon and added a bit of cumin.   I just could not see how this recipe would have any excitement or flavour to it.   These are supposed to be wrapped in banana leaves and then steamed.   I did not have banana leaves on hand and did not want to run out to get some so I just covered them in foil and put them in the steam oven.


Sweet Potatoes

Once again simply sweet potatoes, onions, and coconut milk.   I added nutmeg and cinnamon even though the recipe did not call for this at all.   These ingredients just looked so plain and simple and needed help from the spice cabinet for sure.

Breaded Coconut Fish

I used sole and dipped it in coconut milk and breaded with my curry spice mixed in flour.   Pan fried lightly and it worked however this really is dish that should be deep fried to prevent the we breading from falling of the fish.

As basic as these dishes were in some odd way they really worked together.   The stuffed banana to me was a disappointment by itself.   However add the gravy on top of the stuffed banana from the sweet potatoes and it went together with the meal quite well.    This is one of those strange meals though, it is not a culinary delight but it does represent the country well.   Its simple and basic and when eaten together really works.

Next week we are off to the Solomon Islands.