Cocktail hour - what’s on our minds?  

Japanese sweet potatoes/sweet potatoes

https://www.miklia.com/japanese-sweet-potato/

I like her tip about cooking these longer and at a lower temp for softer texture and sweeter flavor - then after cooking leaving them in the hot oven for 30 additional minutes 

What are Japanese sweet potatoes?

Potato in Japanese is called imo. Japanese sweet potatoes were brought from Okinawa (former Ryukyu Kingdom) to Satsuma in Kyushu, the southern part of Japan, in the 17th century. They were then called satsumaimo in Japan.

Recently, Japanese sweet potato has received much international attention for its distinct flavour – sweet, chestnut-like taste, with a silky smooth texture – delicious!

Nutrition and health benefits

Japanese sweet potatoes are packed with health benefits - rich in minerals, vitamins and fiber – they’re one of the healthiest vegetables you can find. (source)

They’re a staple in Okinawa, Japan's southern region. So perhaps it’s no coincidence that Okinawans enjoy one of highest life expectancies in the world.

It provides 264 calories per 200 grams (source):

2.4g protein

63g carbs (occupies 95% of the calories)

4.6g fiver

0.2g fat

Rich in vitamin B, and includes two antioxidant vitamin C and E.

Japanese sweet potatoes vs sweet potatoes

Also known as Japanese yam, Japanese sweet potatoes are cream-coloured inside. They turn into yellow sweet potatoes when you cook them. They are naturally sweet and have less moisture than regular sweet potatoes.

What Are Japanese Sweet Potatoes?

Recipe Source

Kristin || Girlo’s Kitchen (@weekend_home_kitchen) • Instagram photos and videos

July 6th post

Ingredients 

I large Japanese sweet potato

About a cup of fresh grated cheese (gouda, spicy fontina)

Olive oil and seasoning

Special Equipment 

Mandolins

Baking tray

Parchment paper

Steps 

Wash potatoes

Slice into ½ think slices

Line a baking tray with parchment

Pour a splash of olive oil onto parchment

Sprinkle cheese on top of oil

Add sliced potatoes to cheese

Pour more oil on top of potato

Season

Bake in oven (375) until cheese is browned and potatoes are tender (20-25 min)

Let cool before tearing apart and enjoy