World cooking: Vanuatu: Cassava, plantain, & sweet potato laplap; & coconut cake

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: light coconut milk

💰Cheaper: almond milk

Light coconut milk reduces calories while maintaining flavor.

meat

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken

Tofu is a plant-based alternative, while chicken is often less expensive.

root vegetables

🥗Healthier: sweet potatoes

💰Cheaper: potatoes

Sweet potatoes are nutritious and affordable.

Peel and chop the green plantains, purple skin sweet potato, and cassava.

Grate the cassava using a food processor instead of by hand.

Pre-cook the pork belly, onion, and garlic until browned.

Layer coconut cream on the bottom of the banana leaves.

Add grated cassava and sweet potato to the banana leaves.

Wrap the mixture in banana leaves, folding securely.

Place the wrapped parcels in the oven.

Add a bit of water to create steam during cooking.

Bake in the oven for about 1 hour until cooked through.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary