Coconut Kaukau (Sweet Potato with Coconut Milk)
A simple yet delicious dish where the natural sweetness of kaukau (sweet potato) is enhanced by a creamy coconut milk sauce, infused with aromatic ginger and garlic. This dish highlights the staple ingredients of Papua New Guinea and offers a comforting, earthy flavor profile.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 medium Sweet potatoes (kaukau)(peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 can (400ml) Coconut milk
- 1 small Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Fresh ginger(grated)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper(or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Coconut oil(optional, for sautéing)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using coconut oil, heat it in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- 2
Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the pot. Stir to coat them with the aromatics.
- 3
Pour in the coconut milk. Add salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- 4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- 5
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot as a side dish or a light meal.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can also bake the sweet potatoes until tender, then scoop out the flesh and mix with the coconut milk sauce, returning the mixture to the skins to bake again.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use fresh coconut cream instead of canned coconut milk.
- ✓Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer spice profile.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like taro or cassava.
- Incorporate some leafy greens like spinach or aibika in the last 10 minutes of cooking.