Great flavor does not have to mean time-consuming preparation. Oven-baked sweet potatoes can be jazzed up with different proteins, spices, and goodies to keep interest. Try experimenting with the varieties of sweet potatoes. Each has a distinct flavor that is fun to explore. Sweet potato mash can be made the day ahead and heated before serving.
Sweet Potato Prep
Serves 8
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Arrange yams on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake 1 hour or until easily pierced with a fork. Remove from oven and let stand until cool enough to handle.
Mashed Sweet Potato with Orange and Ginger
4 medium sweet potatoes, baked
Juice of one orange or to taste
1 tsp orange rind, grated
1 tsp lemon rind, grated
1 tsp fresh ginger root, grated
Pinch of ground nutmeg
2–3 Tbsp organic maple syrup or to taste
- Scoop out flesh. Purée flesh in food processor with remaining ingredients. Adjust seasoning. Place mixture in ovenproof bowl, cover, and heat in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes or until heated through.
4 Okinawa sweet potatoes, baked
4 Tbsp butter, melted
Kosher salt and pepper
- Scoop out flesh. Purée flesh in food processor with butter. Salt and pepper to taste. Put mixture in ovenproof bowl, cover, and heat in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes or until heated through.
4 medium yams, baked
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 Tbsp heavy cream
½ cup applesauce
2 tsp fresh peeled ginger, grated
1 tsp Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
2 apples, peeled, cored, and cut into ½-inch chunks
1 Tbsp honey
- Scoop out flesh. Purée flesh in food processor with butter, cream, applesauce, and ginger. Salt and pepper to taste. Put mixture in ovenproof bowl, cover, and heat in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes or until heated through.
- Meanwhile, toss apples with honey in a bowl. In a small sauté pan, heat mixture on medium. Sauté until apples are slightly brown and honey has evaporated, about 3-5 minutes. Remove yams from oven; top with caramelized apples and serve.
