5 Delicious Orange Yam Recipes You'll Love

Discover the rich, velvety texture of orange yams with these five delectable recipes. From savories to sweets, you'll explore the versatility of this vibrant root vegetable. These recipes are perfect for showcasing the natural sweetness of orange yams, packed with nutrients, and are both healthy and flavorsome.

1. Orange Yam Puree Soup

Nothing says comfort like a bowl of warm, creamy soup. Here's how to transform orange yams into a soul-soothing dish:

• 2 large orange yams, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 cups of vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk for a vegan twist
• Salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg to taste
• Fresh chives for garnish

Steps:

1. Sauté the onions and garlic until translucent in a large pot.
2. Add the yam cubes, cover with vegetable broth, and bring to a boil. Then simmer until the yams are fork-tender.
3. Blend the mixture until smooth, then return to the pot.
4. Stir in the cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chives.

🔍 Note: You can replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly soup.

2. Orange Yam and Black Bean Enchiladas

Pair the earthy taste of orange yams with the protein-packed black beans for a delightful Mexican dish:

• 2 medium orange yams, grated or spiralized
• 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or vegan cheese)
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 1/2 cups of enchilada sauce
• Green onions and cilantro for garnish

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix grated yams, black beans, cumin, and chili powder.
3. Fill each tortilla with the yam mixture and a sprinkle of cheese, roll, and place seam side down in a baking dish.
4. Cover with enchilada sauce and more cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
5. Garnish with green onions and cilantro before serving.

🔍 Note: If yams are unavailable, sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute.

3. Orange Yam and Kale Frittata

This frittata blends the sweetness of yams with the earthy greens, making it a perfect dish for any meal:

• 2 medium orange yams, thinly sliced
• 1 bunch of kale, chopped and stemmed
• 8 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of milk or cream
• 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon each of dried basil, thyme, and rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Steam or sauté the yam slices until they soften slightly. Add the kale for the last few minutes to wilt it.
3. Whisk together eggs, milk, herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange yam and kale evenly in a greased oven-safe skillet, sprinkle with feta.
5. Pour the egg mixture over and top with parmesan.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is golden.

4. Orange Yam Muffins with Pecans

These muffins are a sweet treat, featuring the orange yam's natural sweetness paired with crunchy pecans:

• 1 cup of mashed orange yam
• 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil or butter
• 3/4 cup of maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/2 cup of chopped pecans

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In one bowl, mix the mashed yam, oil, syrup, and eggs.
3. In another, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined, then fold in pecans.
5. Scoop into muffin tins, filling each 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before serving.

5. Orange Yam and Chicken Curry

Spice up your dinner with this hearty and flavorful curry:

• 2 medium orange yams, peeled and cubed
• 1 lb boneless chicken, cubed
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 inch of ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons of curry powder
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1/2 cup of frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Steps:

1. In a large pot, brown the chicken pieces. Set aside.
2. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in the same pot until fragrant.
3. Add curry powder, stir well, then return chicken to the pot.
4. Add yam cubes, coconut milk, and chicken broth. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
5. Add peas for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
6. Season to taste, garnish with cilantro, and serve over rice.

🔍 Note: Ensure the yams are well-cooked to blend smoothly into the curry, providing the right texture.

By exploring these diverse and mouth-watering orange yam recipes, you'll come to appreciate the unique flavors and health benefits this vibrant vegetable offers. Whether you're looking for a comforting soup, a fusion of flavors with black beans, or a twist on traditional curry, orange yams bring a delightful depth and nutrition to any meal. Make them a staple in your cooking repertoire, and enjoy the burst of nutrients and taste they bring to your table.

What nutritional benefits do orange yams offer?

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Orange yams are high in fiber, vitamins C and B6, potassium, and manganese. They also provide antioxidants like beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A, supporting eye health.

Can I replace orange yams with regular sweet potatoes in these recipes?

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Yes, while the flavor profile might differ slightly, sweet potatoes can be used as an alternative in all the recipes listed. They have similar cooking properties, though yams might be slightly starchier and sweeter.

How should I store leftover orange yam dishes?

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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They typically last for 3-5 days. Reheat in the oven, stovetop, or microwave to maintain the dish’s texture and flavor.