Samoan coconut rolls called pani popo are simply to die for. The roll is hot and soft and the sweetness from the coconut milk and sugar simply takes these babies to a heavenly place. You are more than welcome to make the rolls from scratch but honestly you can just pick up some frozen rolls from the freezer section of your grocery store and save yourself lots of time, which is how I made these.
Honestly I could have eaten the entire pan of these delicious Samoan coconut rolls. The bottom line is you won’t be able to just eat one so be sure to plan accordingly. Samoans are known to use a ton of coconut in just about all of their dishes which I absolutely love.
According to the CIA’s world Factbook, over half the Samoan population is obese. This is not solely caused by some genetic disposition, but a historical belief that obesity is a symbol of health, wealth and happiness. Historically the village chiefs or (matai) were fed the most and thus obesity became a status symbol. Let’s just say it wouldn’t take long eating these Pani Popo’s or Samoan coconut rolls.
If you would like to learn more about this beautiful country in the South Pacific be sure to check out “Our Journey to Samoa”. There you can also find some more delicious Samoan recipes. Be sure to join the culinary journey around the world when you stop by, it’s free!
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Samoan Coconut Rolls (Pani Popo)
Ingredients
- 12 Dinner rolls Frozen
- 1 Can Coconut milk
- 1/2 Cup Sugar
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Coat a baking dish 9x13 with cooking spray and arrange the dough in the pan
- Let thaw and rise per package instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- In a bowl mix together the sugar with the coconut milk and pour over the risen rolls
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown
- Let cool if you can stand to wait and serve warm.
