BBQ Short Ribs and Smashed Sweet Potato
Comfort food here. Smashed sweet potatoes pair super well with the ribs.
Ingredient: Sweet Potatoes
Is there a difference between sweet potatoes and yams? Why yes, yes there is. For the purposes of our site, we tag recipes with Sweet Potatoes and Yams and unless otherwise noted in the recipe posts, they can be used interchangeably in the recipes presented. Since there is a difference, let’s see if we can clear things up.
A true yam is a starchy edible root of the Dioscorea genus, and is generally imported to America from the Caribbean. It is rough and scaly and very low in beta carotene.
Depending on the variety, sweet potato flesh can vary from white to orange and even purple. The orange-fleshed variety was introduced to the United States several decades ago. In order to distinguish it from the white variety everyone was accustomed to, producers and shippers chose the English form of the African word “nyami” and labeled them “yams.”
Even though the USDA requires that orange-colored sweet potatoes always be labeled “sweet potato,” most people still think of sweet potatoes as yams regardless of their true identity.
Here is what we have put together for you from CSA365:
Sweet Potato-
- Description
These tubers have a rough brown skin with a sweet orange flesh. Look for sweet potatoes that are firm.
- Preparation
Scrub the sweet potatoes skin well or peel before using them. Sweet potatoes can be boiled, bake or even microwave them until tender. Recent studies have shown that keeping baking temperatures low when cooking sweet potatoes helps to maximize the sweetness. Keep temperatures between 325 degrees and 340 degrees.
- Storage
Store your sweet potatoes at room temperature, or better yet, a cool dark cabinet or pantry is ideal. Sweet potatoes can store 3-6 months. A tip to help your sweet potatoes last longer is to individually wrap them in newspaper before storing.
- Nutrition
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A. They also contain vitamin B6, C, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, potassium, alpha and beta carotene, antioxidants, and fiber
Recipes Using Sweet Potatoes
Indonesian Sweet Potato and Cabbage Soup
A good one for meatless Mondays, this one uses tomatoes, garlic, cabbage, sweet potato, and onions.
You can use bean sprouts, chopped cilantro, scallions, mint and/or Thai basil for garnish of the soup, so you don’t necessarily need all of these on your farmstand grocery list to make this hearty soup. It’s thick and rich and hearty with the help of some peanut butter, you won’t miss the meat.
Potato Pie
Not to be confused with Jess’ sweet version, this savory version is a hybrid of scalloped potatoes, shepherd’s pie, and sweet potato casserole. The end result is scrumptious!
