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Question:
Could you tell me how to cook potatoes and yams in the microwave. And could you actually define a yam for an ignorant Australian :) ?
Thanks, Kristen
Answer:
Hello Kristen!
I have included below my procedure for microwaving both potatoes and yams.
To be honest, I am not sure whether the yams that you can buy in Australia are the same as we can purchase in the States. Even in the States, there is a large amount of confusion as to what exactly a yam is because many grocers unfortunately mislabel certain potatoes as yams. True yams are in fact rarely grown or sold in the United States; they are the dietary staple found in many Latin American countries.
What is commonly called a yam in the United States is actually a type of sweet potato. There are two common sweet potatoes: the first is a sweet and moist orange fleshed potato whose taste and appearance resemble a yam and the second is a dry crumbly textured, thin yellow-skinned and pale yellow or white-fleshed potato.
The cooking directions for the true yam and both varieties of sweet potato are all the same. They just will taste different. I have included those directions after the directions for microwaved "baked" potatoes. I hope this helps!
"Baked" Potatoes in the Microwave
Baked potatoes are almost impossible to ruin. Well, with one very notable exception: it is absolutely, positively, essential that you prick each potato liberally with a fork. If you do not, they will explode. One other caveat: if you are the type of person who loves a crisp potato skin, then do not microwave your potatoes. You will achieve that crispier skin only in the conventional oven. Here's the recipe.
- 2 medium baking potatoes
- optional toppings: fat-free sour cream, crisp (canadian) bacon, non-fat yogurt, chives, chili, diced ham, broccoli, low-fat cheese, pureed peas, minced herbs, a white sauce, or just plain margarine or butter.
1. Scrub the potatoes well to remove any dirt and dry well. Liberally prick each potato with a fork.
2. Spread paper towels on the bottom of your microwave oven and place the potatoes about an inch apart in the center of the microwave. Microwave the potatoes on high for 8 minutes.
3. Remove the potatoes and wrap tightly in foil. Let stand for 5 minutes. If desired, split the potatoes and add butter, cheese, herbs, or other items and rewrap. Let sit for another 5 minutes.
Note: Never place aluminum foil in the microwave.
Cooking Yams and Sweet Potatoes
Yams can be cooked by boiling, baking, microwaving, or grilling. A large amount of the nutrients in the yam are derived from the skin and it is edible. For the best nutritional reward, either eat the skin of the yam or else remove the skin after cooking.
Boil: Wash the yams thoroughly and prick generously with a fork. Place in boiling water and cook until soft. Drain, cool slightly, and peel. The yam can also be peeled and cubed before boiling for faster preparation. The time really depends on the size of the yam.
Conventional oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Wash the yams thoroughly and prick generously with a fork. Place the yams on a baking sheet and bake until soft, about 45 minutes depending on the size of the yams.
Microwave: Wash the yams thoroughly and prick generously with a fork. Place the yams on a paper towel on the floor of the microwave. Cook on high for 3 minutes, flip over and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Add 3-4 minutes to the total cooking time for each additional potato. Let the potatoes sit for 3-5 minutes after cooking before eating.
Grill or Broiler: Cut the yam into 1/2 inch slices. Brush lightly with canola oil. Cook over hot coals or below the broiler for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
PLUS:
- For more great ideas, visit our recipe finder
