Kolokasi

Ingredients:

Taro (diced)*
Celery (sliced)
1 Tin Chopped Tomatoes
1 Onion (chopped)
1 Stock Cube (dissolved in hot water)
Lemon Juice (fresh, according to preference. Optional)
Some celery leaves (chopped)
Olive Oil**
Salt

Method:

Add just enough olive oil to cover the base of a large pot and fry the onions until soft.** Add celery, tomatoes, stock, leaves and salt. Stir all the ingredients well. Add the taro and enough water to cover, add lid of pot and cook until taro is soft enough to eat and sauce is reduced (around 1 ½ hours). If sauce is reduced and the taro needs more cooking time add more water. When cooked, turn off heat and add lemon slowly to taste.

* Smaller pieces will reduce cooking time.
** Healthier alternative is to sauté in water.


Health Benefits Of Taro

Taro corms have more calories than potatoes. 100 g provides 112 calories. The calories mainly come from complex carbohydrates. The roots are very low in fats and protein than in cereals and pulses. Their protein levels can be comparable to that of other tropical food sources like yam, cassava, potato, banana, etc.


The corms are free from gluten. They feature a high-quality phyto-nutrition profile comprising dietary fiber and antioxidants in addition to moderate proportions of minerals and vitamins.


It is one of the finest sources of dietary fiber. Together with slow digesting complex carbohydrates, moderate amounts of fiber in the food help gradual rise in blood sugar levels.


It also contains good levels of some of the valuable B-complex vitamins such as pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), folates, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and thiamin.


Taro is also high in vitamin E with 3.87 mg in a 1-cup serving. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin best known for its antioxidant activity, protecting cells from oxidation by free radicals. Including foods rich in antioxidants may offer protection against heart disease and certain types of cancer.

The corms provide healthy amounts of some important minerals like zinc, magnesium, copper, iron and manganese. In addition, the root has very good amounts of potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that help regulate heart rate and blood pressure.