Sweet Potato and Greens Breakfast (Kaukau na Aupa)
The Quirky Foodster Team

Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks — 4
- Chopped leafy greens (aibika or spinach) — 140 g (5 oz)
- Oil — 1 tbsp
- Onion, sliced — 1
- Salt — to taste
Method
- Boil the sweet potato chunks in salted water for 20–25 minutes until tender; drain.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan and sauté the onion until softened.
- Add the chopped greens and cook for 5–6 minutes until wilted and tender.
- Season with salt.
- Serve the boiled sweet potato alongside the cooked greens.
Introduction: Boiled sweet potato served alongside lightly cooked greens, a simple, wholesome breakfast reflecting Papua New Guinea's highland staple crops.
Cultural Background: Kaukau (sweet potato) is the essential staple of Papua New Guinea's highland regions, and pairing it with cooked greens for breakfast is a common, nourishing way to start the day in highland communities.
Tips: Cut the sweet potato into even pieces so it cooks through at the same rate. Don't overcook the greens, as they should retain some texture and colour.
Variations: Drizzle with a little coconut cream for extra richness. Add a boiled egg alongside for a more substantial breakfast.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave with a splash of water.
FAQs:
Q: What is aibika?
A: A leafy green vegetable widely grown and eaten across Papua New Guinea, similar in use to spinach.
Q: Can regular spinach be substituted?
A: Yes, spinach works well if aibika isn't available.
- Sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks — 4
- Chopped leafy greens (aibika or spinach) — 140 g (5 oz)
- Oil — 1 tbsp
- Onion, sliced — 1
- Salt — to taste

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