Crispy yam fries, also known as sweet potato fries, are a delightful and nutritious snack or side dish that is easy to make at home. These fries are made from yams, which are a type of sweet potato with a slightly different flavor and texture. They are cut into long, thin strips, coated in a flavorful mixture of spices, and then baked until crispy. With their naturally sweet flavor and slightly crunchy texture, yam fries are a healthier alternative to traditional potato fries. They are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, and potassium, making them a nutritious choice for health-conscious individuals. This article provides two exciting recipes for crispy yam fries: a classic version and a spicy version with a kick. Both recipes are easy to follow and require minimal ingredients, making them perfect for busy home cooks or those looking for a quick and tasty snack.
Let's cook with our recipes!
CRISPY YAM FRIES
Not to be confused with American sweet potatoes, West African yams are large, starchy root vegetables found at most West African, Caribbean or Latin American markets. Check the yams for freshness by pressing down on their skin before purchasing; the root should be firm with no soft spots. The brown skin peels off easily with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to reveal a stark white flesh. These yams are larger, much starchier, denser and less fibrous than American yams or sweet potatoes. Crispy yam fries are a well-known Nigerian snack and side dish. They can be shallow-fried in oil or baked in the oven for a slightly healthier variation (see Tip). Serve fries warm with some obe ata or your favorite condiment on the side.
Provided by Yewande Komolafe
Categories dinner, snack, vegetables, side dish
Time 40m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high and season generously with salt.
- Fill a large bowl with water. Working quickly to avoid oxidation, slice off the ends of the yam and peel the brown skin. Cut the yam into 3/4-inch-thick rounds and transfer to the bowl. Once sliced and peeled, cut each piece into 1/2-inch-wide matchsticks, slicing a few rounds at a time and transferring matchsticks back to the water. (You should get about 5 to 8 sticks per piece.)
- Working in batches, drop the matchsticks into the simmering water and blanch for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the hot water and transfer to a rack set over a baking sheet to drain. Repeat the blanching and draining process for the remaining matchsticks.
- Fill a large skillet with 1 inch of canola oil. (You'll need about 4 cups for a 10-inch skillet.) Heat the oil over medium-high until it registers 350 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. Working in two or three batches to avoid crowding, and replenishing the oil as needed, fry the yam matchsticks, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oil and drain on a baking sheet set with paper towels or a rack. Season the fries with salt.
- Serve fries warm, with some obe ata or your preferred condiment for dipping.
30-MINUTE SEASONED SWEET POTATO / YAM FRIES (BAKED NOT FRIED)
Perfectly zesty sweet potato fries to accompany veggie burgers and a ton of other dishes-- you'll love them even if you're not as big a fan of sweet potatoes!
Provided by the80srule
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 30m
Yield 4 , 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Scrub the sweet potatoes and leave the skin on (best part.).
- I like using a french fry cutter (it works sort of like those apple corer/slicer things) for this but if you don't have one, just use a knife to cut the potatoes into shoestrings.
- Put the raw fries into a mixing bowl, and pour in the olive oil. Toss well to coat.
- Add the seasonings and toss well again.
- Arrange the fries on a baking sheet and bake at 400F for 10 minutes.
- Turn the fries with a spatula and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Blot any excess oil with paper towels, serve, and enjoy!
BAKED YAM FRIES WITH DIP
This is my answer to the oh-so-yummy but very fattening deep-fried yam fries.
Provided by Marleymg
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Sweet Potatoes
Time 35m
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread the olive oil over a baking sheet.
- Arrange the yams on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer; season with the seasoned salt.
- Bake the yams in the preheated oven until soft, about 25 minutes.
- While the yams bake, stir the sour cream, mayonnaise, taco seasoning, and paprika together in a small bowl. Serve as a dip for the yams.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 528.7 calories, Carbohydrate 113.8 g, Cholesterol 7.1 mg, Fat 4.8 g, Fiber 15.7 g, Protein 8.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.7 g, Sodium 1335.3 mg, Sugar 5.8 g
Tips:
- For the crispiest yam fries, use yams that are firm and not too soft.
- Cut the yams into even-sized fries so that they cook evenly.
- Toss the yam fries in a mixture of olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking to help them crisp up.
- Bake the yam fries in a single layer on a baking sheet so that they don't steam.
- Flip the yam fries halfway through baking to ensure that they cook evenly.
- Serve the yam fries hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Conclusion:
Crispy yam fries are a delicious and healthy snack or side dish. They are easy to make and can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices to suit your taste. Whether you are looking for a healthier alternative to potato fries or simply want to try something new, crispy yam fries are a great option. So next time you're in the mood for something fried, give these crispy yam fries a try!
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