Sweet Potatoes, a native American plant, may be prepared as a savory dish or a dessert. They are complimented with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, honey, lime and coconut. They are a traditional dish often associated with autumn, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sweet potatoes are loaded with calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and C. There are many uses and variations of recipes for sweet potatoes from baked, casserole to a Sweet Potato Pie. Most sweet potato dishes freeze well. For some great recipes and cooking tips, check out the links on this page.
Sweet Potato vs Yam
When sweet potatoes were introduced into southern American culture, the African slaves referred to them as nyami, which was the word for the yam, a popular tuber grown in Africa. While the two taste similar, and are often indistinguishable, the sweet potato is a moist and sweet root vegetable, and the yam tends to be dry and starchy.PlantAnswers: Sweet Potato facts and Recipes
Ways to Use Sweet Potatoes
- Baked
- Candied
- Mashed
- French Fried
- Pie
- Casseroles
- Soups
- Scalloped
Healthy Sweet Potatoes Casserrole Recipe
In a large pan of cold water place 3-4 large sweet potatoes, about 3 pounds. Cook until very soft, easily punctured with a fork. After done set aside to cool.
In a food processor mix 1/2 cup of whole, toasted, unsalted almonds and 1/4 cup of turbinado sugar. Process to a coarse mill, no whole almonds left. Put aside.
Peel cooled sweet potatoes and put into bowl. Mash with wisk and add 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well and place in an ungreased 9 X 9 inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with nut and sugar mixutre. Bake at 350 degree oven about 25 minutes.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Sweet Potatoes aren't related to potatoes, which are tubers, they are a root vegetableNorth Carolina Sweet Potato Council: Facts and Fiction about Sweet Potatoes
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90% of the world's sweet potato crop is grown in AsiaFood Reference: Sweet Potato Food Facts
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Health Benefits
Loaded with calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and C.
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Fact:
Over 400 varieties of Sweet Potatoes
