Purple yams, also known as Asian purple sweet potatoes, are a vibrant and versatile root vegetable that’s making its way onto dinner tables everywhere. With their deep purple flesh and reddish-purple skin, these yams add beautiful color and amazing flavor to any dish.
Jump To
- Why choose purple yams?
- Simple ingredients for this recipe
- How to roast purple yams
- Pro tips for perfectly roasted purple yams
- Different ways to enjoy roasted purple yams
- Storing your roasted purple yams
- Frequently asked questions
- Final thoughts
- Oven Roasted Purple Yam Recipe: An Easy Side Dish
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They have a creamy texture and nutty, mildly sweet taste, which makes them a perfect, visually stunning side dish. In this post, I will guide you through a simple roasted purple yam recipe you will love. Read on for more!
Why choose purple yams?
Purple yams are more than just a pretty color! Unlike regular sweet potatoes, purple yams have a denser, drier texture, resulting in a golden brown, crispy outside and creamy inside when roasted. Purple yams are a fantastic choice if you’re hunting for new, colorful side dishes.
Simple ingredients for this recipe
For this easy and delicious recipe, you’ll need:
- Purple yams (purple sweet potatoes)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Green onions (For garnish)
- Other optional seasonings: Feel free to add garlic powder, chili pepper, and some maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
How to roast purple yams
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking.
Wash and scrub the purple yams thoroughly, leaving the skin on if you prefer a rustic texture. Trim both ends by holding the sweet potato firmly and slice off a thin layer from each end (about ¼ inch).
Dry the purple yam on a flat surface. Add the olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and any additional spices you like. (You can also cut the yams into wedges or cubes for even cooking.)
Toss the yams well, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with oil and seasoning.
Spread the yams in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each piece for even roasting.
Roast the yam for 15 minutes per side or until the yams are tender and the edges are golden brown. You can flip the pieces halfway through the cooking time for extra crispiness. Garnish and serve. Enjoy!
Pro tips for perfectly roasted purple yams
Here are some tips that will help you to make the best purple yam:
High temperature: High temperatures are key to achieving that golden brown exterior. Aim for 425°F for extra crispiness.
Prevent overcrowding: Use a baking dish or tray large enough to avoid overcrowding, especially if you cook more yams. Roasting in a single layer helps the yams cook evenly.
Choose the Right Yams: Look for firm, unblemished purple yams with smooth skin for even roasting and a naturally sweet flavor.
Flip Midway: Turn the pieces halfway through the roasting time for a golden-brown exterior on all sides.
Cool: Cool slightly before Serving. Let the yams rest for 5 minutes to settle the natural sweetness and flavors.
Different ways to enjoy roasted purple yams
These roasted purple yams are a great addition to any meal, whether you serve them as a main course alongside roasted vegetables or as a side dish with your favorite protein. Here are some ideas:
- Purple sweet potato fries: Cut the yams into thin strips for a crispy snack and follow the same roasting process. These make a colorful, crunchy alternative to regular fries.
- Sweet potato hashbrowns: Combine your roasted yams with other root vegetables like russet or regular sweet potatoes for beautiful and hearty breakfast hashbrowns.
- Loaded purple yams: Serve your yams with toppings like sour cream, green onions, and a pinch of chili pepper for an extra savory kick.
Storing your roasted purple yams
If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so delicious!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a preheated oven to maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crispness of the golden brown exterior.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely! An air fryer is a good idea for roasting if you’re short on time. Toss the yams with oil and seasonings, poke some holes using forks (optional), then cook in the air fryer at 375°F for about 30 minutes, shaking halfway through. The air fryer gives a similar golden brown finish with less oil than a traditional oven.
Check your local Asian supermarket or the vegetable section at stores like Whole Foods. They’re also becoming more common at mainstream grocery stores, and you may even find them in different colors, such as Stokes purple and Japanese sweet potatoes.
While they’re both sweet potatoes, purple yams have a deeper color and a denser, drier texture. They have a nutty flavor that’s less sweet than orange potatoes, making them a great side dish with savory flavors.
The sweet potato skin is edible and adds a rustic look to the dish, but feel free to peel it if you prefer a smoother texture.
Final thoughts
This delicious roasted purple yam recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a unique twist to their meals. Give it a try and enjoy its vibrant purple color and rich flavors. Happy cooking!
Oven Roasted Purple Yam Recipe: An Easy Side Dish
Ingredients
- 3 purple sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and black pepper to taste
- cilantro or green onion for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking.
- Wash and scrub the purple yams thoroughly, leaving the skin on if you prefer a rustic texture. Trim both ends by holding the sweet potato firmly and slice off a thin layer from each end (about ¼ inch).
- Dry the purple yam on a flat surface. Add the olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and any additional spices you like. (You can also cut the yams into wedges or cubes for even cooking.) Toss the yams well, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with oil and seasoning.
- Spread the yams in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each piece for even roasting.
- Roast the yam for 15 minutes per side or until the yams are tender and the edges are golden brown. You can flip the pieces halfway through the cooking time for extra crispiness. Garnish and serve. Enjoy!
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