Yams are a popular and versatile root vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. However, if you’ve never cooked yams before, you may be unsure of the best way to cook them. So, in this article, I will instuct you some of the popular ways to cook yams.

1. How To Cook Yams in Oven

Ingredients

  • 3-4 medium-sized yams
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Wash the yams or sweet potatoes thoroughly and peel them. Next, cut the yams into 1-inch thick rounds.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Then add the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract to the melted butter. Stir to combine.

Place the yam rounds in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the butter mixture over the yams, making sure to coat each one. Then cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

After 30 minute, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the yams are tender and the syrup is thick and bubbly.

Serve hot and enjoy!

2. How To Cook Yams on Stove

2.1. How To Boil Yams

Ingredients

  • 3-4 medium-sized yams
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Water

Instructions

Wash the yams thoroughly and peel them. Then cut the yams into 1-inch thick rounds or cubes, depending on your preference.

Next, place the yams in a pot and add enough water to cover them by about an inch. Add a pinch of salt to the water and stir to combine.

Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the yams for 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.

Drain the yams in a colander and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve the yams as a side dish or use them in your favorite recipe.

2.2. How To Steam Yams

Ingredients

  • 1-2 medium-sized yams
  • Water

Equipment

  • Steamer basket
  • Pot with a lid
  • Tongs or a fork

Instructions

Wash the yams thoroughly and peel them using a vegetable peeler or sharp knife. Then cut the yams into even-sized pieces, such as rounds or cubes. This will ensure that they cook evenly.

Fill a pot with about 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil over high heat.

Once the water is boiling, place the steamer basket over the pot, making sure that it does not touch the water. Next, add the yam pieces to the steamer basket and cover the pot with a lid.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the yams steam for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender.

Check the yams for tenderness by piercing them with a fork or tongs. If they are tender, remove them from the steamer basket. If they are still firm, continue steaming them for a few more minutes until they are cooked through.

Once the yams are cooked, remove them from the steamer basket and let them cool for a few minutes.

Serve the steamed yams as a side dish or use them in your favorite recipe.

3. How To Cook Yams in Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 1-2 medium-sized yams
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Wash the yams thoroughly and peel them. Next, cut the yams into 1-inch cubes.

Place the yam cubes in a mixing bowl and add olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the yams and mix well for added flavor.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Place the yam cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry yams for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking. Check the yams for tenderness with a fork.

Remove the yams from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.

Serve the yams as a side dish or use them in other recipes.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

4.1. Should You Peel Yams Before Cooking?

It is generally recommended to peel yams before cooking them, especially if you are boiling, roasting, or baking them. The skin of the yam can be tough and may not soften sufficiently during cooking, making it difficult to eat. Additionally, the skin can also become bitter during cooking, which can affect the taste of the yams.

However, if you are microwaving or steaming yams, you can leave the skin on if you prefer, as the skin will soften during cooking and can easily be removed after. Just make sure to wash the yams thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.

4.2. What is the Difference Between Yams & Sweet Potatoes?

Yams and sweet potatoes are often confused with each other, but they are actually two different types of root vegetables with distinct characteristics.

Yams are native to Africa and Asia and are part of the Dioscorea family. They have a rough, scaly skin that is difficult to peel, and their flesh is usually white or off-white with a starchy texture. Yams are typically drier and less sweet than sweet potatoes and are often used in savory dishes like stews and curries.

Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are native to South America and are part of the Ipomoea family. They have a smooth, thin skin that is easy to peel, and their flesh can be white, yellow, orange, or even purple, depending on the variety.

Sweet potatoes are sweeter and moister than yams, with a softer, creamier texture. They are often used in both sweet and savory dishes and are a popular ingredient in holiday dishes like sweet potato pie and candied yams.

In summary, the main differences between yams and sweet potatoes are their origin, skin texture, flesh color, and taste and texture. Despite their differences, the terms “yam” and “sweet potato” are often used interchangeably in some regions, which can lead to confusion.

4.3. What is the Healthiest Way To Cook a Yam?

The healthiest way to cook a yam is by steaming or boiling it. These methods preserve the nutrients in the yam and do not require the use of added fats, which can increase the calorie content of the dish.

Both of these cooking methods are healthy, as they preserve the nutrients in the yam while also providing a low-calorie, low-fat cooking method. Avoid frying or roasting yams in oil, as this can significantly increase the calorie content of the dish and reduce its overall nutritional value.

Yams are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be cooked in many different ways to suit your taste. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article, you can cook yams perfect every time.

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Julia Jane is a home cook inspired by her mother's cooking. With the desire to share my cooking experiences with everyone, she created this website

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