Glazed Sweet Potatoes: Taiwanese Favorite

 Those Humble Sweet Potatoes

Glazed sweet potatoes are a favorite on the island! Fresh sweet potatoes have long been a Taiwanese favorite. Perhaps it started during the Japanese Occupation or even before. For centuries these humble potatoes have graced the homes in Japan, Korea, and elsewhere in Asia. Sweet potatoes grow well in Taiwan. The nutrition behind them is amazing! So what makes Glazed sweet potatoes nutritious?

Sweet potatoes are not just something to sweeten your taste buds! Yes, they are good! They are delicious! These little gems are also good for your cardiovascular health! They are a key to good nutrition. This underground tuber was initially cultivated in  Central American. Now it is cultivated the world over. Would you like some sweet potatoes? 

Sweet potato are a  starchy sweet flesh. Depending on the pigment concentration, they range from white to yellow,and from orange to purple. Sweet potatoes of all colors are used to make Glazed Sweet Potatoes. There are actually many different recipes for sweet potatoes. The tuber contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. It  is a rich source of dietary fiber, anti-oxidants, vitamins, and minerals. 

 Glazed Sweet Potatoes

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 30 min.MAKES: 8 servings

Ingredients

Two pounds sweet potatoes or two large cans sweet potatoes drained

1/4 cup butter, cubed

1/4 cup Maple Syrup

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 

Directions

1. If using fresh sweet potatoes, place in a large saucepan or Dutch oven; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook 25-40 minutes or until tender. Drain; cool slightly and peel. Cut into chunks.
2. Preheat oven to 350°. Place sweet potatoes in a 2-qt. baking dish. In a small saucepan, combine butter, syrup, brown sugar and cinnamon; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Pour over potatoes.
3. Bake, uncovered, 30-40 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 8 servings.Recipe for Glazed sweet potatoes taken from: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/glazed-sweet-potatoes

 Cooking With Sweet Potato Greens

Sweet potato leaves are also edible. Dig the potatoes and cut the stems and leaves. All parts of this plant are eaten. While Glazed Sweet Potatoes are awesome, so are the cooked leaves. Not only are they good, but they are good for you.  Sweet potato greens are fabulous. They are tasty and nutritious. In fact, the greens contain more nutrients and dietary fiber than most of the popular green. Braised greens (leaves and stems) with some onion and garlic are fantastic. They are good served with a dash of vinegar. Like spinach, sweet potato greens cook down a lot. You can actually use them in any recipe that uses spinach. Here is a recipe that pairs the greens with Coconut Cream. When doing a holiday dinner, they are a good side dish. They compliment Glazed Sweet Potatoes on the holiday table. They add color to the table! They are nutritious! They are delicious! 

 Sweet Potato Greens in Coconut Cream

Yield: 4 side servingsTotal Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 large bunch sweet potato greens
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 shallots, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root (from a 1/2-inch piece)
2 teaspoons grated fresh turmeric root, or 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 red thai chili, finely sliced
2-inch lemon grass stalk, trimmed and finely sliced
1 to 2 teaspoons soy sauce, or to taste
1 cup coconut cream plus 1 cup water (or substitute 2 cups light or regular coconut milk)
2 to 3 teaspoons raw or brown sugar, or to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste 

 Directions:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Trim off any thick stems from greens. Add to boiling water and blanch for 60 seconds, then immediately transfer greens to a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking. Drain.

Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, chili, and lemongrass and stir until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in soy sauce.Add coconut cream and water (or coconut milk) and bring to a simmer. 

Add blanched greens and return to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes. Add sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into bowls and serve with rice.

Read more at http://www.loveandoliveoil.com/2012/09/sweet-potato-greens-in-coconut-cream.html 

 The Sweet Potato culture

Sweet potatoes are widely eaten in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Though eaten in many countries, they are a household favorite in Asia. In Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, they have many different ways to cook the potatoes and the greens. Glazed Sweet Potatoes are only one of the favorite recipes. Wherever you live, sweet potatoes belong on every table. 

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https://exploretraveler.com/glazed-sweet-potatoes-taiwanese-favorite/

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