8 different ways to prepare yam

Yams, with their natural sweetness and versatility, offer an array of culinary possibilities. Discover various delightful ways to prepare this nutritious root vegetable in your kitchen.

Roasted Yam 

Transform yams into a crispy, caramelized delight by roasting them with a blend of herbs and spices.

Ingredients

- 3 medium yams, peeled and cubed

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, toss the cubed yams with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the yams in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the yams are tender and golden brown, turning them halfway through.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.

Creamy Yam Mash

Create a velvety smooth side dish by boiling yams until tender and mashing them with a touch of cream, butter, or coconut milk for a decadent twist.

Ingredients

- 4 medium yams, peeled and diced

- 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk

- 2 tablespoons butter or vegan butter

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Chopped chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Place the diced yams in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the yams are fork-tender.
3. Drain the yams and return them to the pot.
4. Add the heavy cream or coconut milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
5. Mash the yams using a potato masher or fork until smooth and creamy.
6. Adjust seasoning if needed, garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Healthy Yam Fries

Slice yams into sticks, season them with your favourite spices and bake until crispy. Enjoy guilt-free snacking or pair them as a side dish.

Ingredients

- 2 large yams, peeled and cut into fries

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, toss the yam fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
5. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with additional salt if desired, and serve hot.

Yam and Black Bean Chili

Incorporate yams into a hearty, flavorful chilli by adding diced yams to a simmering pot with black beans, tomatoes, and an array of spices for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1 onion, diced

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 cups diced yams

- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

- 1 cup vegetable broth

- 2 teaspoons chili powder

- 1 teaspoon cumin

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.
2. Add diced yams and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chilli powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the chilli to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the yams are tender and the flavours meld together.
5. Adjust seasoning if needed, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve hot.

Yam Pancakes or Waffles

Grate yams into your pancake or waffle batter for a unique twist on breakfast classics. The natural sweetness of yams adds depth to the flavour.

Ingredients

- 2 cups grated yams

- 1 egg

- 2 tablespoons flour

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine grated yams, egg, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
2. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush it with melted butter or oil.
3. Spoon the yam mixture onto the skillet, using about 1/4 cup for each pancake. Spread it slightly to form a round shape.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
5. Serve the yam pancakes warm with toppings like maple syrup, honey, or yoghurt.

Yam and Kale Stir-Fry

Combine the earthy flavour of yams with nutritious kale in a quick stir-fry. Add spices, a splash of soy sauce, and your favourite protein for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

- 2 cups diced yams

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 cups chopped kale

- 1 teaspoon soy sauce

- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add diced yams and sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
2. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for another 2 minutes.
3. Stir in chopped kale, soy sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the kale wilts and the yams are tender.
4. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve the stir-fry hot.

Yam and Coconut Soup

Blend cooked yams with coconut milk, vegetable broth, and aromatic spices for a creamy, comforting soup perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients

- 2 tablespoons coconut oil

- 1 onion, chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 3 cups diced yams

- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk

- 3 cups vegetable broth

- 1 teaspoon curry powder

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh cilantro or coconut flakes for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. Add diced yams, coconut milk, vegetable broth, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the yams are tender.
4. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender to puree until smooth.
5. Adjust seasoning if needed, garnish with fresh cilantro or coconut flakes, and serve warm.

Yam and Spinach Salad

Create a vibrant salad by pairing roasted yams with fresh spinach, cranberries, nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette for a nutritious and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

- 2 cups diced yams, roasted

- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves

- 1/4 cup dried cranberries

- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine roasted diced yams, fresh spinach leaves, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
4. Serve the yam and spinach salad immediately as a nutritious side dish or light meal.

Yams are packed with nutrients and adaptable to various cooking techniques, offer a canvas for diverse and delicious culinary creations. Experiment with these recipes to savour the versatility and delightful flavours of this incredible root vegetable.