Yam and Apple Mash
Old World yams and New World sweet potatoes are indeed different vegetables. In the US today, the terms are often used interchangeably to describe popular varieties of red-skinned, orange-fleshed tubers with pointed ends. At Earthbound Farm we produce the Garnet and Jewel varieties, which are commonly called yams but are actually sweet potatoes. No matter what you call them, though, they're delicious!
Here's a delicious twist on mashed potatoes that combines nutritious yams and apples for a side dish that perfectly complements roast chicken and pork. Because the yams have a natural sweetness, pair them with tart apples such as Granny Smiths for depth of flavor.
Ingredients
| 1/4 pound | Earthbound Farm Organic Garnet or Jewel Yams - sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes, about 3-1/2 cups) |
| 2 tablespoons | olive oil |
| Freshly ground black pepper (to taste) | |
| 1 pinch | ground nutmeg |
| 2 large | tart apples (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes, 2 to 2-1/2 cups) |
| 1/4 cup | half & half (heated, optional) |
Directions
Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
Place the yams, oil, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a large bowl and toss to combine. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake until the yams are just tender, about 35 minutes. Add the apples to the baking pan, stirring to mix. Re-cover the dish with foil and continue baking until the mixture is very soft, about 30 minutes more.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and mash with a potato masher until the mixture is smooth, but still has some texture. Stir in the half and half, if using, and season to taste as needed. Serve hot.
