What is the difference between a sweet potato and a yam? The definition of a name is; the starchy edible tuber of a climbing plant that is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical countries. So you see that many of the so-called yams you’ve been eating all these years are actually a sweet potato. Compared to potatoes, yams are starchier and drier. They became members of the Morning Glory family. Colors can vary from white to yellow, red, purple, brown to orange. They are also a good source of fiber and vitamin A.
Sweet potatoes are versatile and can be substituted in place of more fattening foods. You can use them to thicken your stews or a casserole naturally without adding high-fat creams. Most consider the potato just another Thanksgiving side dish, but it can be roasted, oven-fried, and used in pies. Showing how versatile the potato is, we share some of those recipes with you.
Sweet Potato Fries
They can be ready in as little as 30 minutes. The ingredients are simple.
3-4 sweet potatoes
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
Cut potatoes into round wheels about 1/2-inch thick and immediately soak in water so they don’t discolor. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel. Fry over low heat until golden brown and until tender in the middle. Place on a paper towel and salt immediately. Serve and enjoy with fish or pork.
Classic Sweet Potato Casserole
3 cups mashed sweet potatoes, cooled
1 1/2 cups brown sugar, (packed, divided)
2 large eggs lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup of milk
3/4 cup butter, melted (divided)
1/3 cup flour
4 ounces of chopped walnuts (1 cup)
Heat oven to 350 F (180C/Gas4)
Butter a 2-quart casserole or baking dish
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with 1 cup of the brown sugar, the vanilla and egg extract, the milk, and 1/2 cup of the melted butter. Mix well; Spoon the mixture into a prepared baking dish.
In another bowl, combine remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, flour, remaining 1/4 cup melted butter, and chopped walnut; mix well.
Sprinkle the pecan topping mixture over the top of the sweet potato casserole.
Bake the casserole for 35 to 40 minutes, until the filling is hot and the topping is golden.
Peel 3 large potatoes; cut them into 1-inch slices and put them in a saucepan. Cover with water, bring to a boil; and lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender. Drain, mash, and allow to cool slightly before using in the recipe.