National Dish Nauru: Taro Chips (Recipe)
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Say hello to taro chips, a wonderfully simple snack from the tiny Pacific island of Nauru! Thin slices of earthy taro root are fried until they turn golden and shatteringly crisp, then dusted with salt and whatever spices take your fancy. They make a brilliant nibble on their own or a moreish side to a larger spread, and they carry a genuine taste of the Pacific straight to your kitchen. Best of all, you need only a handful of ingredients to pull them off.
About Taro Chips
Taro chips are a much-loved speciality of Nauru that wins over locals and visitors alike. They stand out for their crispy texture and their distinctive, nutty aroma, and they are made from nothing more than humble taro root. As well as being genuinely tasty, they are surprisingly nourishing, which makes them a smart choice when the snack cravings strike. More than anything, they are a lovely way to bring the exotic flavours of the Pacific into your own home.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 300 g taro roots
- Oil for deep-frying
- Salt to taste
- Pepper (optional)
- Spices of your choice (e.g. paprika, garlic powder)
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for taro chips are fairly easy to track down in Asian or international grocery shops. Look for fresh taro roots that feel firm and are free of dark blemishes. The oil for frying should have a high smoke point, such as groundnut or sunflower oil. Over in the spice aisle you will find plenty of seasonings to give your chips a personal twist, much as you might when putting together a Coconut Chutney.
Preparing the dish
Begin by giving the taro roots a good clean. Peel them carefully to remove the oxidative enzymes that are released once you start cutting. Next, slice the taro into thin, even rounds so they fry uniformly. This bit of preparation is crucial: it is what gives the chips their lovely crispy finish and ensures they cook through at the same rate.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Carefully add the thinly sliced taro rounds to the hot oil.
- Fry the chips for around 5–7 minutes, until they are golden brown and crisp.
- Lift the chips out with a slotted spoon and let them drain on kitchen paper.
- Scatter the still-warm chips with salt and any optional spices.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Taro chips are naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, which makes them an ideal snack for anyone with those intolerances. Just make sure the spices you reach for are also free of any gluten-containing components, so the whole dish stays safe to eat. That way you can enjoy these delicious chips without a second thought and slot them easily into your diet.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Making taro chips calls for nothing but plant-based ingredients, which makes them a brilliant snack for vegans and vegetarians alike. You can tweak the seasonings entirely to your liking to conjure up different flavours. A lovely addition might be herbs such as rosemary or thyme, which lend the chips an extra layer of aroma. Have a play with different flavour combinations and enjoy the variety, just as you would with a Nauruan Vegetable Stir Fry.
More tips and tricks
For the best texture and flavour, try soaking the taro slices in cold water for a few minutes before frying. This draws out some of the starch and makes the chips even crispier. If you do not have a deep-fryer, you can bake the chips instead: drizzle them with a little oil and cook them at 200°C. Just remember to turn them regularly so they brown evenly.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The recipe for taro chips is easy to adapt to your own preferences. Since the base is simply taro and oil, you can add different spices or even a marinade before frying. For a sweet version, dust the chips with cinnamon and sugar. Little tweaks like these make it simple to create both savoury and sweet variations that please every palate.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot find taro roots, you can just as easily turn to other root vegetables such as sweet potatoes or beetroot to make aromatic chips. These alternatives are equally wholesome and offer their own flavours and textures. Do keep an eye on the cooking times, as different root vegetables take longer or shorter to fry. That way you will always have a tasty option for this snack on hand, whether you fancy something like Banana Fritters alongside.
Drink pairing ideas
Taro chips go beautifully with refreshing drinks such as an ice-cold glass of water with lemon or a fruity smoothie. If you fancy something with a bit more punch, try a light beer or a fruity cocktail that plays off the flavours of the chips. Take care that the drinks are not too sweet, so they do not overwhelm the chips themselves. A cooling Pineapple Coconut Drink makes for an especially memorable pairing.
Serving and presentation ideas
The way you present your taro chips can lift the whole eating experience considerably. Serve them in a rustic bowl or on a prettily decorated plate for an inviting look. You could also offer a few fresh herbs or a special dip alongside, such as an avocado cream or a fiery salsa. Little touches like these give the snack an interesting edge and tempt your guests to dig in.
A bit of history
Taro chips have their roots in the culture of Nauru and reflect just how important the taro plant is to the island’s home cooking. Taro has been a staple across the Pacific for centuries and is prepared in countless ways, from smooth purées to crisp chips. The popularity of the chips has spread well beyond Nauru and now enjoys a following far and wide, which shows how cultural influences travel through food and spark enthusiasm for new flavours. It is a delicious window onto Nauru cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Taro Chips
Taro chips are a delicious, crispy snack that is easy to make and endlessly adaptable. They are gluten-free and lactose-free, which makes them suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. With just a few ingredients you can recreate this delicate speciality from Nauru and let yourself be won over by its varied flavours. Let the exotic cooking of the Pacific inspire you and give these tasty chips a try!
