| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 198 | 3.8g | 0.6g | 37g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1.1g | 5.8g | 2.6g | 1.04g |
Every so often, an unexpectedly exquisite dish stumbles into our culinary repertoire and forever alters the landscape of our home kitchens and dinner tables. Today, I have the pleasure of introducing you to the simple yet profound beauty that is the Baked Purple Yam Fries. This innovative plant-based recipe leans into the earthy and vibrant flavors of an oft-overlooked gem: the humble purple yam. In my formative years in Montana, where rustic food and heart-warming flavors are the order of the day, no such recipe existed. But I’ve always been seduced by the unexplored, the novel, and the compelling. Hence, my new found love.
Embracing the Natural
The recipe for Baked Purple Yam Fries has the ability to transport your taste buds to a beautiful confluence of savoury and zesty. Every ingredient, bowing to the impressive purple yams, is chosen to enhance and balance the wonderfully earthy and sweet flavor profile that the yams bring to the table. The natural world continues to fascinate me with its endless smorgasbord of colors, flavors, and textures – just like Indigenous American traditions taught us to appreciate and lean into the bounty of Mother Earth.
The Power of Purple
Purple yams are not only visually striking, but they also possess a wealth of health benefits. These beautifully hued roots are packed with powerful antioxidants, known to combat inflammation and protect your body from cellular damage. The vibrant color also suggests a high concentration of anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid linked with heart health and improved cognitive function. Achieving a balance of healthful and delicious has never been so effortless!
These fries could easily find their place next to a wild venison steak or a juicy bison burger, carry the hearty weight of a chowder, or serve as a canvas for an experimental dip. Their flexibility is akin to the potato, yet their flavor is entirely their own, making them a welcome surprise in any meal.
As you savor the distinctive taste of these Baked Purple Yam Fries, be prepared to go on a delectable journey, one that offers you not just nourishment, but an adventure into the diverse flavors of nature. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 3 large Purple Yams
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon coarse Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
Method
Step One
Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). While the oven is heating, line a large baking tray with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Step Two
Next, wash the purple yams thoroughly to remove any dirt. After cleaning, slice the yams carefully into thin, fry-like strips. Ensure that the yam strips aren’t too thin; else they might burn in the oven. Try to keep all your yam strips the same size so they cook evenly.
Step Three
Once you have cut all your yams into strips, put them in a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, coarse salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss the yams until they’re everywhere coated evenly in the seasoning and oil.
Step Four
After your yams are seasoned, arrange them in a single layer on your prepared baking tray. Make sure none of the fries are overlapping; this will ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy instead of steamy and soft.
Step Five
Put the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, take the tray out and flip the fries, then return them to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes or until they’re crispy and cooked through.
Step Six
After the fries are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade baked purple yam fries hot for best taste.
