Supoesi: Traditional Samoan Papaya Dessert Recipe
What is Supoesi?
Supoesi, one of the traditional foods of Samoa, was practiced and consumed by our ancestors. The technique has been passed down from one generation to another.
The name Supoesi translates to papaya soup. It is both nutritional and delicious to eat at any time of the day. I personally prefer to serve it for breakfast with Samoan bread, panipeke, or panipopo! This traditional dish is more commonly served during big family gatherings on the islands, where you are sure to find it included on the menu.
What ingredients are needed for Supoesi?
The ingredients to make supoesi are very simple but the technique on how to combine it is a bit complicated and time-consuming. Most specifically, you are making your own authentic tapioca and coconut cream from scratch. However, in this blog, you will learn how to make supoesi with modern ingredients and techniques.
To make supoesi (papaya soup) you only need 5 ingredients: ripe papayas, water, small tapioca pearls, coconut cream, sugar (which you only add if you like it sweeter), and lemon leaves (scent).
Traditional Samoan Supoesi Recipe
Recipe Details
- Prep Time
- 10 minutes
- Cook Time
- 30–35 minutes
- Total Time
- 40 minutes
- Servings
- 4–6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 very ripe papayas (6-7 inches)
- 1 cup (160 g) small tapioca pearls
- 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
- 4 cups (960 ml) water
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar (optional)
- 4 lemon leaves
Directions
Step 1: Gather the ingredients
Get two very ripe papayas from your farm or grocery store. Add small tapioca pearls and a can of coconut milk to your shopping list if you don’t have any at home.
Step 2: Prepare the ingredients
Papayas:
- Wash the papayas thoroughly with water, place on a cutting board, then cut them in halves with a knife.
- Remove all the seeds with a spoon.
- Rinse the seedless papayas again with water to remove any debris.
- Scrape the flesh of the papayas into a clean medium pot.
- Pour 4 cups of water into the pot.
- Cover with a lid.
Tapioca pearls:
Place 1 cup of small tapioca pearls into a bowl, pour water over them, and let them soak before adding to the supoesi. The tapioca pearls need to be softened before cooking. Otherwise, it takes longer to cook and the texture will be off.
Step 3: Heat the ingredients
- Place the pot with the papaya mixture on medium-high heat and let it boil for about 10–15 minutes.
- Once the mixture boils, stir and check if the papayas break down into small pieces. If not, use a masher to mash any clumps for a smoother consistency.
- Reduce heat to medium, then add your soaked tapioca pearls. The mixture will thicken due to the pearls. Stir continuously to prevent sticking. Let it cook for about 15 minutes.
Optional: Add ½ cup of sugar and stir continuously until dissolved (about 1 minute).
Add 1 can of coconut milk and stir to blend in the coconut flavor. Reduce heat and let it gently boil for about 2 minutes.
After stirring, turn off the heat, move the pot off the burner, and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- Add 4 lemon leaves to the supoesi to give it a citrus accent and stir gently.
Step 4: Serve
Get ready to serve and enjoy your delicious supoesi. Yummy!