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A classic Hawaiian comfort food featuring tender squid and luau (taro) leaves simmered in rich, creamy coconut milk. This savory stew is a staple at any traditional luau feast.
Prepare the Luau Leaves
Cook the Luau Leaves
Combine Ingredients
A classic Hawaiian comfort food featuring tender squid and luau (taro) leaves simmered in rich, creamy coconut milk. This savory stew is a staple at any traditional luau feast.
This hawaiian recipe takes 115 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 955.66 calories per serving with 31.4g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
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Final Simmer
Serve
Replace squid with 1 lb of cubed chicken thighs or pork shoulder. Adjust the final simmering time accordingly; chicken will cook faster, while pork may need longer to become tender.
For a vegetarian option, omit the squid and add 1 lb of firm tofu (cubed) or sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
For a spicy kick, add one finely minced Hawaiian chili pepper or 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the coconut milk.
Taro leaves are an excellent source of Vitamin A and C, which support immune function and vision, while squid provides essential minerals like selenium, copper, and phosphorus.
Squid is a high-quality, lean source of protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
The taro leaves contribute a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Uncooked or undercooked taro leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause a scratchy, itchy sensation in the mouth and throat. It is essential to cook them for at least one hour to completely break down these crystals and make them safe and enjoyable to eat.
While you can technically substitute spinach, it is not recommended for an authentic Squid Luau. Spinach has a very different flavor and texture and cooks in minutes, whereas taro leaves require long, slow cooking to become tender and develop their unique, earthy flavor.
Squid Luau can be part of a balanced diet. It's rich in protein from squid and vitamins from taro leaves. However, it is high in saturated fat and calories due to the full-fat coconut milk, so it's best enjoyed in moderation.
A typical 1.5-cup serving of Squid Luau contains approximately 550-600 calories. The exact number can vary based on the fat content of your coconut milk and the specific ingredients used.
Store leftover Squid Luau in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the squid rubbery.
Yes, a slow cooker works well. Add the taro leaves, onion, and water to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Then, stir in the coconut milk, squid, and seasonings, and continue to cook on low for another 60-90 minutes, or until the squid is tender.
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