Easter Island (Oceania)-26 May 2023

Easter Island is located in the continent of Oceania. It has Ecuador and Peru to the north, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the south and west.

The island belongs to Chile and has no capital.

The official Rapa Nui.

The climate is subtropical with the warmest months in January through March, and the coolest months in June through August. Temperatures range from 64 to 73F.

The staple foods are mahi-mahi, tuna, swordfish, octopus, lobster, sea snails, eels, shrimp, banana, pineapples, pumpkin, sweet potato, taro, and various fruits. (https://ecochile.travel/the-best-places-to-eat-on-easter-island/#:~:text=Fish%20and%20seafood%20like%20mahi,potato%2C%20taro%2C%20and%20coconut).

https://www.britannica.com/place/Easter-Island

SIX-MINUTE SEARED AHI TUNA STEAK (https://www.bowlofdelicious.com/six-minute-seared-ahi-tuna-steaks/):  

            – 2 ahi tuna (yellowfin tuna) steaks

            – 2 TBSP soy sauce

            – 1 TBSP toasted sesame oil

            – 1 TBSP honey

            – ½ tsp kosher salt (omit if marinating tuna longer than 10 minutes)

            – ¼ tsp black pepper

            – ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

            – 1 TBSP canola oil

            – green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and lime wedge for serving

1. Pat the tuna steaks dry with a paper towel. Place on a plate or inside a plastic bag.
2. Mix the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, honey, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until the honey is dissolved.
3. Pour over the ahi tuna steaks and turn over to coat completely.
4. Allow to marinate for at least 10 minutes (if using kosher salt), or overnight (if not using kosher salt).
5. Heat a medium skillet (preferably non-stick or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet) on medium-high to high until very hot (or medium-high for non-stick). I recommend giving the cast iron 3-5 minutes to get hot and non-stick about 1 minute, depending on how thick it is.
6. Add the canola oil to the hot pan.
7. Sear the tuna for 1~1-1/2 minutes on each side for medium rare (2~2-1/2 minutes for medium-well to well, 30 seconds for very rare).
8. Remove to a cutting board.
9. Slice into ½ inch slices and serve garnished with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, if desired.

Here is how my Ahi Tuna turned out. I used the yellowfin tuna. The flavors were amazing!!!

POLYNESIAN BANANA PUDDING – PO’E (https://www.rachaelhartleynutrition.com/blog/2013/11/polynesian-banana-pudding-poe):  

            – 4 C mashed bananas, from about 6-8 bananas

            – ½ C honey or brown sugar

            – 1 C all-purpose flour

            – 2 tsp vanilla

            – ¼ tsp salt

            – coconut oil

            – coconut milk or cream, for serving

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F.
2. Blend together bananas, honey, flour, vanilla, and salt in a food processor until pureed.
3. Spread a little coconut oil in a medium-large baking dish.
4. Pour in the batter.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until firm.
6. Remove from oven and let cool.
7. Serve warm, or chill in the refrigerator.

8. Slice or cube then drizzle with coconut cream or milk before serving.

This was very easy to make and very delicious!!!