Taro, a starchy root vegetable from the arum family (Araceae), is often misunderstood as a purple yam. However, its unique characteristics set it apart. With a brown and hairy skin, creamy-white flesh flecked with purple, and a soft, dry texture when cooked, taro has a distinct appeal. Native to Africa and Asia, its versatility has made it a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world. The earthy and nutty flavor profile of taro allows for experimentation in both sweet and savory dishes.
Inspired by the versatility of taro, we’ve curated 13 delectable recipes that showcase this underrated ingredient’s potential. From the classic Taro Cake to the indulgent Taro Coconut Ice Cream, these mouthwatering dishes will satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious cook, our compilation offers something for everyone.
So, get ready to be inspired by the unique flavor and texture of taro!
Taro Cake
Indulge in a scrumptious Taro Cake as the crowning jewel of your Chinese New Year celebration. This beloved dessert is infused with the bold flavors of Asia, elevated by the crispy texture of fried shallots and chopped scallions on top.
The key to its rich, umami taste lies in the clever combination of Chinese sausage, cured meat, dried shiitake mushrooms, and dried shrimps. These unexpected ingredients work together harmoniously to create a truly memorable culinary experience.
To keep your Taro Cake fresh for future indulgence, simply store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
Sukhi Arbi
For those seeking a hassle-free taro recipe to serve as the main course, Sukhi Arbi – stir-fried taro roots – is an excellent starting point. This dish showcases the natural earthy and nutty flavors of taro, which are elevated by the harmonious blend of coriander, red chili powder, and dry mango powder. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, allowing you to experiment with your favorite herbs and seasonings to create a unique flavor profile.
When serving, consider pairing the spiced taro roots with Phulkas (Indian bread) or enjoying them as a simple snack on their own.
Taro Coconut Ice Cream
This ice cream boasts a unique flavor profile, blending the subtle sweetness and richness of taro and coconut into a creamy treat. The incorporation of taro gives it a slightly grainy texture, reminiscent of mashed potatoes. If this texture doesn’t resonate with you, consider substituting grass-fed cream products for the coconut milk to achieve a smoother consistency. With only five servings per recipe, be prepared to double the batch if you’re hosting a large gathering.
Dim Sum-Style Steamed Pork Ribs With Taro Root
While it’s tempting to venture out to a Chinese Dim Sum restaurant to savor their signature steamed pork ribs, you can actually recreate this Cantonese classic in the comfort of your own home. With just a few simple tools and ingredients, you can enjoy tender, juicy, and mouthwateringly good pork ribs that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Hong Kong.
And it gets even better – the subtle nutty flavor of taro root adds an extra layer of depth and heartiness to this beloved dish, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
Egyptian Kolkas
Indulge in the delectable taste of this Egyptian Kolkas-inspired taro root stew! The harmonious blend of garlicky-cilantro green sauce, tender taro, and rich homemade broth is sure to tantalize your taste buds. For an authentic experience, serve it over a steaming hot bowl of rice and complete the dish with a burst of citrus from a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Steamed Pork Belly With Taro
A harmonious blend of steamed taro and pork is elevated by a savory sauce comprising oyster sauce, soy sauce, and an array of aromatic Asian spices. This beloved Chinese comfort food truly shines when served alongside a bowl of fluffy white rice. To complete the dish, don’t overlook the addition of crunchy chopped scallions.
Taro Rice
This mouthwatering one-pot meal is a perfect blend of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more! At its core are the humble ingredients of long-grain rice, tender taro, juicy chicken, and savory Chinese sausage. The harmonious marriage of these components is elevated by the rich aromas of soy sauce, five-spice powder, and sesame oil, creating a dish that’s equally suitable for a hectic weekday dinner or a leisurely weekend gathering.
But what truly puts it over the top is the addition of fresh green onions, pungent shallots, and spicy red chilies – a symphony of flavors and textures that culminates in a truly unforgettable culinary experience!
Taro Smoothie
Kick-start your day with a refreshing twist on traditional smoothies by incorporating taro root into your morning routine. A summer-inspired Taro Smoothie can be easily created by combining whole milk, taro powder, condensed milk, and taro boba. Simply blend all the ingredients until they’re smooth and creamy, then pour the mixture into a tall glass filled with boba for a delightful serving experience. The best part?
This homemade treat tastes remarkably similar to those you’d find at your favorite cafe, without the hefty price tag.
Vegan Spring Rolls With Shredded Taro
Discovering the ease of cooking with taro root is a revelation that can be shared by everyone, regardless of dietary preferences. This vegan-friendly spring roll recipe is a testament to that, as it brings together the humble tuber with an array of aromatic flavors and textures.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – tender shreds of taro are cooked with the harmonious blend of light soy sauce, garlic cloves, salt, and sugar, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. And as if the taste wasn’t enough, these spring rolls get an added crunch from being fried to a golden crisp in oil.
Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce, this taro-filled delight is sure to be a hit at any gathering – be it a family affair or a casual get-together.
Tonjiru (Miso Soup)
Tonjiru, a soul-warming Japanese miso soup recipe, is a harmonious blend of tender pork and fresh vegetables like taro, daikon radish, and gobo (burdock root). This comforting dish exudes a deep sense of satisfaction, its umami flavor profile crafted by the perfect balance of toasted sesame oil, dashi, and rich miso. While optional, adding Japanese seven-spice can elevate the soup’s spiciness to new heights.
A pro tip worth remembering: avoid boiling the soup, as this can cause the miso to lose its distinctive flavor. Instead, allow it to simmer gently, allowing all the delicious flavors to meld together in perfect harmony.
Baked Taro Chips
Kickstart your taro culinary journey with these delectable Baked Taro Chips! The simplicity of this recipe is what makes it so alluring: just three ingredients – taro root, olive oil, and sea salt – are required to bring out the best in this tropical tuber. But don’t be afraid to add a pinch of excitement by sprinkling some cayenne pepper on top.
The key to achieving those crispy, crunchy chips is to thinly slice the taro root using a vegetable slicer or mandoline.
This ensures that each chip has an ideal texture that’s both satisfying and addictive. And the best part? These Baked Taro Chips are at their peak flavor when served fresh – but if you want to enjoy them for up to a week, simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Taro Fries
With minimal effort, you can create an impressive taro dish that’s sure to wow. The air fryer is the secret ingredient that makes all the difference.
To prepare this recipe, start by peeling and cutting the taro roots into strips.
Next, combine the taro with oil and a blend of spices including salt, cayenne or red chili, turmeric, and chaat masala or dry mango powder to add a tangy flavor. You can also keep things simple with just salt and pepper if you prefer.
Toss the mixture well to ensure everything is coated evenly, then air-fry until crispy.
A pro tip worth noting: avoid washing your taro after peeling as this can make it slimy. If necessary, simply wipe the root clean with a paper towel instead.
Fried Taro Fritters
Indulge in the delightful Indonesian-inspired Taro Fritters, a delectable treat that combines crispy fried taro with a savory chili sauce. Each bite transports you to a world of umami flavors, where the sweetness of the taro harmonizes with the pungency of soybean and ginger. To create this mouthwatering snack, start by combining shredded taro with ground soybean, grated fresh ginger, and cornstarch. Form the mixture into bite-sized balls, then fry them individually until golden brown.
The result is a crunchy exterior giving way to a tender interior, perfectly balanced with a side of spicy chili sauce.
The bottom line
Taro’s adaptability shines through in these recipes, showcasing its incredible potential to elevate a wide range of dishes. From savory to sweet, the possibilities are endless when working with this remarkable ingredient.
