Luau (the Hawaiian food recipe)

Not to be confused with the Hawaiian Luau (dinner party with live entertainment), Luau is also a local dish in Hawaii.  Luau is made from the green Taro (kalo in the Hawaiian language) leaf and coconut milk.  It is generally seasoned with the meat of your choice (squid, chicken, butterfish, etc.).  Luau is often included in the local "Hawaiian Plate" at many restaurants in the Hawaiian islands.  Below is a fantastic recipe for Squid Luau if you want to try this at home:

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Squid Luau

Hawaiian dish made of squid and luau leaves cooked in coconut leaves until tender.


Ingredients:

• 2 lbs luau leaves
• 2 cup water
• 2 cup coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 lb cooked squid


Directions:

Wash the luau leaves thoroughly. Remove stems and fibrous parts of veins. Place wash leaves in large saucepan and add water. Bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer for one hour, stirring frequently. Cut 1-1/2 lb. cooked squid or octopus into thin crosswise slices.Drain luau thoroughly then stir in coconut milk, salt and chicken or squid. Heat but do not boil.Serves 6 people.
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Hawaiian Plate with Squid Luau (that's the luau in the upper right corner).

Squid Luau Plate

The PTH Team has a couple recommendations for amazing luau on Oahu:

1. Ono Hawaiian Food (Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu) - Butterfish Luau
2. Fort Ruger Market (Alohea Ave., Honolulu) - Squid Luau

Aloha and Bon Apetit!!

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