Soulful Laplap Delight

Ingredients

In this adaptation of the traditional Vanuatuan laplap, we incorporate elements of soul food cuisine to create a unique fusion dish. While the original laplap is typically made with root vegetables and coconut milk, our Soulful Laplap Delight adds a soulful twist by incorporating smoked ham hocks or turkey wings for added depth of flavor. The use of aromatic spices commonly found in soul food, such as paprika and thyme, further enhances the dish's soulful essence. We alse have the original recipe for Laplap, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) taro, peeled and grated 2 cups (470ml) taro, peeled and grated
• 2 cups (470ml) yam, peeled and grated 2 cups (470ml) yam, peeled and grated
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 smoked ham hock or 2 turkey wings 1 smoked ham hock or 2 turkey wings
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon thyme 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the grated taro and yam.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the coconut milk, chicken broth, onion, garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. 4.
   Place the smoked ham hock or turkey wings at the bottom of a baking dish.
5. 5.
   Spread half of the grated taro and yam mixture over the meat.
6. 6.
   Pour half of the coconut milk mixture over the grated taro and yam.
7. 7.
   Repeat the layers with the remaining grated taro and yam mixture and coconut milk mixture.
8. 8.
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
9. 9.
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the laplap is golden brown and crispy on top.
10. 10.
    Allow the laplap to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Taro and yam — Make sure to peel and grate the taro and yam just before using them to prevent discoloration. You can also soak them in water with a squeeze of lemon juice to maintain their color.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the smoked ham hock or turkey wings with smoked tofu or tempeh for a smoky flavor.
• Feel free to add your favorite soul food spices, such as cayenne pepper or smoked paprika, to give the dish an extra kick.
• Serve the laplap with a side of collard greens or cornbread to complete the soul food experience.
• Leftover laplap can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for a delicious next-day meal.
• Experiment with different root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or cassava, to add variety to the dish.

Serving advice

Serve Soulful Laplap Delight hot, straight from the oven, as the crispy crust and tender filling are at their best when enjoyed immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

To present Soulful Laplap Delight, carefully slice the laplap into individual portions and arrange them on a serving platter. The golden-brown crust should be visible, showcasing the dish's enticing texture. Serve with a side of collard greens or cornbread to complement the flavors and add visual appeal to the plate.