Sweet Potato Spread
Wholesome Delight - Sweet Potato Spread for Your Toast
When sweet potatoes are in season, there's nothing better than treating my kids to a delicious and nutritious Yakiimo (baked sweet potato) spread.
This Japanese-inspired delight is made by oven-baking Satsumaimo, Japanese sweet potatoes, and transforming them into a creamy paste with the addition of butter and heavy cream. It's a non-sugar dish, but you can always add a touch of sweetness with honey or sugar if you desire.
Let's try the recipe that will surely become a family favorite.
RECIPE
Servings: for 8-10 toasts
Time: 65 min (baking potatoes for 60 min)
Ingredients:
3-4 small Satsumaimo (Japanese Sweet Potato)
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp heavy cream
Honey (option)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
Individually wrap each Satsumaimo with foil, place them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 1 hour.
Once the Satsumaimo are baked, carefully take them out of the foil while they're still hot. Peel the skin off the potatoes and transfer the soft flesh into a mixing bowl.
Immediately add 1 tablespoon of butter and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to the bowl
Mix the ingredients well while smashing the sweet potatoes.
About Yakiimo: Yakiimo's popularity in Japan is hard to overstate. Whether served by street vendors or enjoyed at home, this has a special place in the hearts of the Japanese people. It is particularly cherished during the autumn - winter season when sweet potatoes are at their peak, signaling the arrival of Yakiimo trucks that emit an enticing aroma through the streets.
Yakiimo trucks, or "Yakiimo-ya-san," are a common sight at some areas, especially during the colder months. These trucks are equipped with traditional wood-burning stoves, creating a nostalgic ambiance as the sweet potatoes roast to perfection. Passing by the tantalizing scent, and the experience of purchasing a warm, freshly baked sweet potato from these mobile vendors is one beautiful scenery in Japan.
Yakiimo is traditionally served in its purest form – a whole roasted sweet potato. The skin, crisp from the slow roasting process, contrasts with the soft, flavorful interior. Vendors often wrap the hot sweet potatoes in newspaper, allowing customers to cradle the warm package while savoring each delicious bite.
Having Yakiimo evokes a sense of nostalgia, connecting people to their roots and the simple pleasures of life.
