Kolokasi (Cypriot Taro Root Stew in Tomato Sauce)

Kolokasi is a hearty Cypriot stew built around taro root, simmered low and slow in a cinnamon-scented tomato sauce until meltingly tender. It’s classic island comfort food, best served with crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds taro root (kolokasi), peeled and cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth or water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep the taro
   Peel and cut the taro into large chunks and rinse well (wear gloves, as taro can irritate skin).
2. Sauté the aromatics
   Heat the olive oil, cook the onion until soft, then add the garlic and cook 1 minute.
3. Build the stew
   Add the taro chunks, tomatoes, broth, and cinnamon stick, and bring to a simmer.
4. Cook
   Cover and simmer 35-40 minutes until the taro is tender, stirring occasionally.
5. Finish
   Stir in the lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and remove the cinnamon stick.
6. Serve
   Garnish with parsley and serve warm, with crusty bread.