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Apigigi
Guam's grilled young coconut and tapioca parcels
Apigigi are an old Chamorro sweet from Guam and Saipan, made for fiestas and family gatherings: soft young coconut is grated and mixed with tapioca starch and sugar, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over coals until chewy and lightly charred. They are sticky, mildly sweet and smoky. Grated frozen young coconut and tapioca starch from Asian shops make them easy at home. A common mistake is grilling over a fierce flame; the leaves burn before the centre sets. Chef's tip: steam them first for 15 minutes, then finish on the grill for flavour.
- Total time
- 60 min
- Difficulty
- medium
- Serves
- 10
Ingredients
- 14 oz grated young coconutfresh or frozen
- 5 ½ oz tapioca starch
- 3 ½ oz sugar
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 pinch salt
- 10 pieces banana leaves20 × 15 cm, softened
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Method
0/4 doneStep 1: Mix 14 oz grated young coconut, 5 ½ oz tapioca starch, 3 ½ oz sugar, ½ cup coconut milk and 1 pinch salt into a thick, sticky paste.
5 minStep 2: Spread 2 heaped tablespoons along the middle of each of the 10 pieces banana leaves, roll up into a log and fold the ends under.
15 minStep 3: Steam the parcels over boiling water for 15 minutes until the filling turns translucent.
15 minStep 4: Grill over medium coals or on a griddle pan for 6–7 minutes a side, until the leaves char in spots and the filling is firm and chewy. Serve warm in the leaf.
15 min
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 230 kcal
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbs
- 34 g
- Fat
- 11 g
- Fibre
- 3 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does apigigi take?
- About 60 minutes in total: 30 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 10 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of sugar?
- Caster sugar, same amount.
- What can I use instead of coconut milk?
- Single cream, same amount (not dairy free).
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