What is the difference between a sweet potato and a yam? The definition of a yam 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 that you have been eating all these years are actually a sweet potato. Compared to potatoes, yams are more starchy and dry. They became members of the Morning Glory family. Colors can range 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 to be just another side dish on Thanksgiving, but it can be roasted, baked, 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 the potatoes into round wheels about 1/2 inch thick and immediately submerge them 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 center. 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 saucepan or baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with 1 cup brown sugar, vanilla extract and egg, milk, and 1/2 cup melted butter. Mix well; Place the mixture in a prepared baking dish.
In another bowl, combine remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, flour, remaining 1/4 cup melted butter, and chopped walnuts; mix well.
Sprinkle pecan topping mixture over top of sweet potato casserole.
Bake the casserole for 35 to 40 minutes, until the filling is hot and the topping is golden brown.
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 skillet and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender. Drain, shred and let cool slightly before using in the recipe.