How to Roast Yams

Basic Technique for Roasting Yams or Sweet Potatoes

• Yams or sweet potatoes
• Aluminum foil and baking tray
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil or vegetable oil

Paleo-Friendly Roasted Yams or Sweet Potatoes

• Yams or sweet potatoes
• Coconut oil
• Cinnamon or nutmeg powder
• Coconut butter

Cubed Roasted Yams or Sweet Potatoes

• 4 yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2.5 cm cubes
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (or other oils)
• 1/4 cup honey (for sweetness)
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder (for sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons brown or white sugar (for sweetness)
• Freshly ground salt and pepper (for spiciness)
• Paprika (for spiciness)

Roasted Yam or Sweet Potato Fries

• 4 yams or sweet potatoes, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon garlic, curry powder, Egyptian cumin, paprika (optional)

Microwave-Roasted Yams or Sweet Potatoes

• Yams or sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Butter
• Vegetable oil or olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Brown or white sugar

Preheat the oven to 218°C. Both sweet potatoes and yams are versatile, so you can roast them at any temperature between 190°C and 232°C. This means you can pop them in the oven while preparing other dishes.

Line the baking tray or dish with aluminum foil. Sweet potatoes often release syrup and can be difficult to clean. Using foil on the tray makes cleanup much easier.

• Do not wrap the yams in foil; simply place them on top of the foil.

Wash and pierce the yams. Gently scrub the yams under cold running water. Use a fork or sharp knife to poke each yam 4-5 times, then place them on the baking dish.

• You can drizzle olive oil or vegetable oil over the yams if desired. Rub the oil evenly over the skin.
• For Paleo or clean eating diets, use coconut oil to coat the yams.

Roast the yams for about 1 hour. Flip them once during roasting. The yams are done when they are soft. You can use kitchen gloves to feel the softness. Insert a knife into the center; if it goes in easily, they are ready. Continue roasting if they are not fully cooked. Another way to check is by observing the skin; darker skin indicates they are done.

• Roasting time varies depending on the size of the yams. Larger yams take longer, typically 45-75 minutes.

Serve and enjoy. Remove the yams from the baking tray and slice them in half. Serve the roasted yams with a pat of butter.

• For Paleo or clean eating diets, drizzle coconut butter and sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg. Another healthy option is to add a touch of maple syrup or honey.
• For a sweeter taste, add brown sugar or granulated sugar with pumpkin pie spice. For a savory twist, season with salt, pepper, paprika, or Egyptian cumin. Mix chili with butter for a richer flavor.

Preheat the oven to 204°C. Sweet potatoes can be roasted at any temperature between 190°C and 232°C.

Peel and cut the yams. Select 4 yams, peel them, and cut them into small cubes of about 2.5 cm per side. Spread the pieces on a baking tray.

• Alternatively, wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly, leave the skin on, and slice them to your desired thickness. The skin adds extra nutrients and aids digestion, but ensure it’s cleaned well if you plan to eat it.

Season the yams. Start by drizzling olive oil over the yams. If you prefer not to use oil, you can spread butter on the pieces. Decide whether you want a sweet, savory, or combined flavor profile.

• For a sweeter option, drizzle honey, sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg, or use brown or white sugar.
• For a savory option, add salt, pepper, and paprika.

Roast the yams for 30 minutes. Place the yams in the oven and bake until they are tender or the edges begin to curl. You can start checking for doneness after 15 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 218°C. Sweet potato fries can be roasted at any temperature between 190°C and 232°C.

Wash and slice the yams. Since the skin is left on, ensure the yams are thoroughly washed. Cut them into thin slices.

• If you prefer triangular wedges over fries, you can cut the yams into 8 pieces.

Season the yams. Place the yams in a large bowl or a plastic bag. Toss them with salt, pepper, and olive oil.

• You can also experiment with other seasonings. Try garlic, paprika, Egyptian cumin, chili powder, curry, or a mix of salt with any preferred spices.
• For a Paleo or clean eating option, replace olive oil with coconut oil.

Arrange the yams on the baking tray. Spread the yams evenly on the tray. Bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping them at least once during the process. Cooking times may vary depending on the oven. Bake until the pieces are crispy and golden.

• Avoid overcrowding or stacking the yams too high to ensure they crisp up properly.

Microwave whole yams. If microwaving whole yams or sweet potatoes, pierce them all over with a fork.

• For smaller pieces, peel the yams and cut them into 2.5 cm chunks, then place them in a microwave-safe bowl.

Season the yams. If seasoning, do so before microwaving. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of your chosen oil.

• For a sweeter flavor, use 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, white sugar, or maple syrup, along with 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
• For a savory option, add salt and pepper.

Microwave on high power. Cover the dish with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Microwave for 10 minutes, checking for softness after 5 minutes. Continue microwaving in 2-minute intervals until the yams are tender.

• If microwaving whole yams, flip them halfway through. For smaller pieces, shake the dish to redistribute them evenly.

Finish up.

• Brush vegetable oil, olive oil, or coconut oil on oven-roasted yams to achieve a crispy exterior.
• Try wrapping yams in bacon before roasting for a delicious snack.
• Roasting yams for over an hour usually isn’t an issue; a little extra time and heat often won’t harm them.
• Sweet potatoes and yams are natural superfoods. They are packed with beneficial nutrients. One cup of sweet potatoes can provide 65% of your daily vitamin C and 700% of your daily vitamin A needs. They are also high in calcium, folate, potassium, and beta-carotene, with a low glycemic index (GI).
• Roast a batch of sweet potatoes or yams, store them in plastic bags or containers, and refrigerate for quick meals throughout the week.

• Aluminum foil and baking tray
• Microwave-safe dish