Fiji By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Fiji: Roasted Garlic and Taro Mash (Recipe)

Creamy taro mash with roasted garlic in a bowl, garnished with fresh herbs

In this article

Meet Roasted Garlic and Taro Mash, a wonderfully comforting dish straight from the islands of Fiji. It brings together the gentle, creamy character of taro with the deep, mellow sweetness of roasted garlic for a side that feels both rustic and refined. Serve it alongside fish or grilled meat, or let it shine in its own right — either way, it is an exotic, satisfying addition to the dinner table that comes together with very little fuss.

About Roasted Garlic and Taro Mash

Roasted Garlic and Taro Mash is a remarkable dish that gently wins over the senses. Its star ingredient, taro, is a starchy root vegetable celebrated for its mild flavour and silky, creamy texture. Paired with roasted garlic, it develops a distinctive aroma that lends a special note to any meal. Whether served as a side for meat or fish, or enjoyed as a main course in its own right, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious — a true reflection of homely Fijian cuisine.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

2 cups taro, peeled and diced
4 cloves roasted garlic
1–2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Water, for boiling

Shopping for the ingredients

To make Roasted Garlic and Taro Mash, it is best to buy your ingredients from a well-stocked supermarket or a local farmers’ market. Look for fresh taro that feels firm and is free of brown spots. You can either roast the garlic yourself or buy it ready-prepared in a jar. Choose good-quality butter, or a suitable oil, for the best possible flavour.

Preparing the dish

A little preparation is the first step towards a delicious Roasted Garlic and Taro Mash. Begin by peeling the taro and cutting it into evenly sized pieces so it cooks through at the same rate. The roasted garlic can be made fresh or prepared in advance. Have your kitchen tools ready too — a pan and a fork or potato masher will see you through.

Step-by-step instructions

Bring the taro to the boil in a pan of salted water and cook for about 15–20 minutes, until tender.
Drain the cooked taro and tip it into a bowl.
Add the roasted garlic along with the butter or vegetable oil.
Mash everything well with a fork or potato masher until you have a smooth, creamy mixture.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

Roasted Garlic and Taro Mash is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made lactose-free too. Simply swap the butter for a lactose-free or vegan margarine. Do check that your other ingredients — the spices and oils, for instance — are also free from gluten and lactose. That way you can enjoy this delicious dish without compromising on flavour.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

This dish is a brilliant choice for vegans, as it contains no animal products at all once you replace the butter with a plant-based alternative. It also pairs beautifully with a wide variety of vegetables, adding extra freshness to your meal. A pinch of smoked paprika or fresh herbs such as coriander or parsley can give the mash an exciting depth of flavour. Experiment by adding different spices to create a recipe that is entirely your own.

More tips and tricks

One handy tip for improving your Roasted Garlic and Taro Mash is to add a small splash of vegetable stock before mashing. This makes the mash even creamier while adding extra flavour. Getting the ratio of taro to garlic right is just as important, so play with the quantities until you hit your perfect balance. The mash can also be made ahead and gently reheated on the hob or in the microwave — ideal for a stress-free meal.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

The beauty of Roasted Garlic and Taro Mash lies in its versatility. You can combine it with other ingredients, such as sweet potatoes or carrots, for a different flavour — much like the comforting Cassava and Pumpkin Mash. Adding toasted sesame seeds or sunflower seeds brings a welcome crunch and extra nutrients. Ask yourself what you enjoy most, and do not hesitate to make creative tweaks.

Ingredient substitutions

If you are looking for alternatives to the ingredients in this mash, you could try using potatoes in place of taro, though the flavour will not be quite the same. Instead of roasted garlic, fresh garlic works well if you prefer a more intense, punchy note. And if you would rather not use oil at all, you can leave it out entirely or replace it with vegetable stock, which cuts the fat and makes the dish even lighter. For an island twist, take inspiration from Roasted Taro with Garlic Butter.

Drink pairing ideas

A range of drinks pairs nicely with a delicious Roasted Garlic and Taro Mash. A light, fruity white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc lets the flavours shine. Alternatively, a refreshing ginger beer or a fragrant herbal tea both make pleasant companions to the dish. For an alcohol-free option, combine water with fresh fruit or herbs to create a refreshing accompaniment.

Serving and presentation ideas

An attractive presentation can lift the whole experience of eating Roasted Garlic and Taro Mash. Serve the mash in a pretty bowl and garnish it with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. A lovely contrast on the plate — grilled vegetables or a colourful salad, perhaps — enhances the overall impression of the meal. Remember that we eat with our eyes first, so do not be afraid to get creative.

A bit of history

Roasted Garlic and Taro Mash has its roots in Fijian cuisine and reflects the rich agricultural traditions of these islands. Taro is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the region, offering not only nourishment but also serving as a staple food for many islanders. Garlic, meanwhile, is widely used in Fijian cooking and lends dishes an intense, savoury flavour. Bringing these ingredients together is both a way to celebrate the local culture and an opportunity to take your taste buds to new heights.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Roasted Garlic and Taro Mash

Roasted Garlic and Taro Mash is not only a tasty dish from the Fiji Islands but also an expression of tradition and creativity. With its simple preparation and its adaptability to different tastes, it is perfect for special occasions or as an everyday side. Whether you opt for a vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free version, the delicious flavour remains intact. Bring the aromas of Fiji into your kitchen and let this dish win you over.