To eat yams, they must always be cooked. Unlike some other root vegetables, raw yams are not consumed. The primary ways to prepare and eat yams involve heat, transforming their texture and making them edible and delicious.
Yam Preparation Before Cooking
Before you can cook a yam, some essential preparation steps are required:
- Peeling: The skin of the yam is not edible and must be removed entirely.
- Discarding the Skin: Once peeled, the skin should be discarded.
- Rinsing: After peeling and dicing the yam flesh, it's crucial to rinse it well under water. This helps remove excess starch and prepares it for cooking.
Common Ways to Cook and Eat Yams
Once prepared, yam flesh can be cooked using methods similar to those used for potatoes or sweet potatoes. The most common and recommended ways to eat cooked yams include:
- Boiling: Submerging yam pieces in boiling water until tender is a simple and common method. Boiled yams can be eaten plain, mashed, or added to stews and soups.
- Frying: Diced or sliced yams can be fried until golden and crispy, similar to potato fries or home fries.
- Baking or Roasting: Whole or cut yams can be baked or roasted in an oven. This method often brings out the natural sweetness of the yam and results in a tender interior.
| Cooking Method | Description | Typical Result |
|---|---|---|
| Boiling | Cooked in water until tender | Soft, suitable for mashing |
| Frying | Cooked in oil until browned and crispy | Crispy exterior, soft interior |
| Baking/Roasting | Cooked in an oven with dry heat | Tender, often slightly sweet |
The cooked flesh of the yam can be used versatilely, much like you would use a regular white potato or a sweet potato in various dishes. Whether mashed, added to casseroles, or served simply as a side dish, cooking is the key to enjoying yams.
