Roasted Parmesan Sweet Potatoes

My mom occasionally baked sweet potatoes when making a roast. My sisters, brother and I wouldn’t touch it, so my parents happily enjoyed these tubers to themselves. Come to think of it, they never really insisted or enforced that we partake in its consumption and happily enjoyed it for themselves. :)

So all these years later, I’ve decided to give sweet potatoes (also called yams) another try. These colorful tubers boast some impressive health benefits. Did you know that sweet potatoes rank #1 in nutrition compared to other vegetables? What isn’t there to like about them? If you’re not familiar with its flavor and sweetness, you will be surprised how much they are not like potatoes. They remind me more of a squash. Even cutting into them while prepping to roast them, revealed a rougher texture.

They are sweet, and I admit…took some getting used to because my mind stubbornly held that they looked like potatoes, but didn’t taste like potatoes. Tossed with some Parmesan, thyme and olive oil, these were a tasty, sweet and savory side dish with dinner.    Rosemary in place of the thyme would also probably give it a tasty spin.

Serving these roasted Parmesan sweet potatoes alongside some BLTs with avocado proved to be a complimentary combination. A serving with tender, juicy meat, like a roast, would be a good pairing too. As suggested by the crate my produce was packaged in: Depending on what you’re serving with the potatoes, a Chardonnay, Fume Blanc, French Colombard or Syrah would pair well with its distinct flavor.

Nutrition tidbits about Sweet Potatoes

• One medium sweet potato is an excellent source of beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, copper, folate, and fiber.
• According to the American Cancer Society, foods with high amounts of beta carotene help reduce the risk of some cancers.
• The skins are edible and add even more fiber nutrients.
• According to CSPI (Center for Science in the Public Interest), sweet potato ranks #1 in nutrition compared to other vegetables. Higher in nutrition then even carrots, spinach, broccoli, peas, tomatoes and squash!
• Rich in potassium.
• Some studies have shown that sweet potatoes may help stabilize blood sugar levels and are considered natural sources of inhibitors, which help diabetic patients to manage their sugar levels.

Note: I am not a dietitian or nutritionist. Consult with your family doctor(s) for nutrition and dietary needs.

Special Handling
Unlike regular potatoes, these taters have different handling requirements (as found on the “A.V. Thomas Produce – Nature’s Pride carton):

• More perishable than other types of potatoes. Store in a dry, dark area for up to 2 months.
• Dampness will cause the potatoes to spoil.
• Placing raw sweet potatoes in the refrigerator will cause the insides to become hard and can affect its taste and shelf life.

If you cook/bake with sweet potatoes and have some favorite recipes or suggestions, please share with me what types of savory or sweet dishes you make that include them. I have a savory dish I’m going to experiment with this week that include using both sweet potatoes and turnips…I’m looking forward to its results.