Serves 4

Here the 5 flavors of Asia — salty, hot, sweet, sour, and bitter — are found in the sauce. Add a little more honey if you prefer a sweeter sauce and fewer red pepper flakes if you don't want as much heat.

Peninsula Sweet Potatoes

1 pound sweet potatoes or yams of varying varieties, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon sugar

¼ teaspoon salt

1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk

  1. Place the sweet potato pieces in a large saucepan. Add just enough water to cover them, and bring to a boil. Add the bay leaf and cook until the potatoes are soft. Remove the bay leaf and discard.
  2. Stir in the sugar and salt. After the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the coconut milk. Adjust the seasonings by adding salt and/or sugar if necessary. Adjust the consistency by adding more water and/or coconut milk.