So a few days ago she went out to the potato patch and what did she find? And no, that is not an exaggeration and I am not just being biased because it is my favorite. Your photo is being processed. Purple sweet potatoes can be baked in any recipe, including the ones listed below. (They almost always have them at Mitsuwa Marketplace, which has locations in southern and northern CA, TX, IL, and NJ.) But keep in mind that they have a shorter lifespan than regular potatoes. Note that not everyone considers it a dessert, but an actual meal. These purple packets of goodness are nutritious, delicious and gorgeous. They are often used in Japanese cuisine and are known for their sweetness and nutty flavor. David, that's SO creative -- love what you did with the "double mash." 1 Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. This will make sure that these sweet potatoes are very, very soft. The term sweet potato refers to a potato that is cooked inside and out. To finish signing up, please click the confirmation link in the email. Okinawan sweet potatoes take longer than regular potatoes to cook, so check that they're very soft. You are probably thinking that this is a useless recipe but I will be teaching you how to make it with a twist that can your buttered and boiled Okinawan sweet potato very delicious, and a good substitute for dinner! What Is Okra and How Do You Use It? Note, it will take less time if you cut the sweet potatoes in smaller pieces. Boil sweet potatoes in water for about 45 minutes, or until soft. Most of the images displayed are of unknown origin. I was able to get samples of each type and tested them with this recipe. These are some of my favorite ways to eat Hawaiian sweet potatoes: Okinawan Sweet Potato Mochi at Kaka'ako Farmers MarketWe spend Saturday mornings at either the Kaka'ako Farmers Market or KCC Farmers Market. 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt. I would LOVE to know. Transfer to a zip-close freezer bag and reheat on the stovetop on low to medium heat, or in the oven, covered in foil, until hot. Mashed Okinawan sweet potato is a popular and easy side dish, which originates from the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Mash the purple potatoes while adding in coconut milk and cinnamon powder to taste. Wish I could have them in Japan, too! Wash, pat dry, and pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork after thoroughly washing them. Eat warm! The only caveat is that we prefer to cook with clear glass rather than caution. I love it! Just discovered these gems at the local Asian market in Cherry Hill, NJ During the Japanese New Year, the sweet potatoes are boiled and mashed before they are mixed with syrup chestnuts to make a special dish called Kurikinton, which symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Later the purple potatoes found their way to Hawaii where they're now a staple and part of their native menu. Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes. People use the two names interchangeably. Hate Butter Boards? But in Hawaii, we usually use coconut milk instead of half-&-half. Okinawan sweet potatoes are also delicious when gently roasted in the oven. There are two families of sweet potatoes that grow in Hawaii: (Original) Hawaiian Sweet PotatoThis specific variety is currently being revived in Hawaii. Keep it covered. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Lisa Romerein. It is very funny, really, because you will never really know what it is unless you figure out what the person you are talking to might know it as. Hawaii's most popular manju maker is Home Maid Bakery. It has a rich creamy taste that is very unlike regular potatoes. Consult with your own doctor for information and advice on your specific questions. I bet it was incredibly beautiful (and tasty). There are many ways to cook purple sweet potatoes, but the healthiest way is to steam them. Purple Sweet Potato Croquettes at Pioneer SaloonPioneer Saloon is a popular plate lunch (with a Japanese twist) spot with two locations in Honolulu. Sweet potatoes from the Ryukyu Islands have a distinct flavor that is very different from that of regular potatoes. The sweet potatoes adapted so well to the Okinawan climate that they eventually became a staple crop, and their cultivation spread to other regions of Japan. Crispy Baked Purple Sweet Potato Fries. Some people say that they are different types of sweet potatoes, while others claim that they are the same thing. The results: The Molokais were in fact quite similar to the Okinawans. Here are some significant health benefits youll like to know: I usually buy it from my local Japanese grocery store, but you can find them available at major grocery stores in the US these days. They became a staple crop in Okinawa during the 18th century. So good. Blend well. Thanks, Marissa. The potato is done when it is soft to the touch. Uiro is one of the oldest mochi cakes with a unique shape and flavor. Sweet potatoes that have been boiled retain more beta-carotene than those that have been baked or fried, making them more absorbable. It is touted as one of the reasons Okinawans are living active disease-free lives past the age of 100. They are also filling and packed with nutrients. However, Okinawa sweet potatoes contain 150% more antioxidants than blueberries, which makes them a powerful cancer-fighting superfood. Step 3 That's one of the things that makes these purple potatoes different from others -- most lose their purple color and become dull and/or dark, while these only become more vibrant. Like other potatoes, these purple tubers can be steamed, sauted, roasted, baked and mashed. ~Valentina. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Boil the potatoes for 1 hour, until soft Let cool Peel off the skin of the potatoes, then mash Mix in the coconut milk, sugar, and salt Chill before serving The result is a deep purple puree that is the perfect tropical accompaniment for any meal. Sweet potatoes are frequently roasted whole and served as a street snack in Japan during the winter and fall seasons. I'm also a mom of two boys and a Los Angeleno. This Easy Method Gives You the Most Decadent Zucchini of All Time. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; The Brilliant Secret to Making Better Mashed Potatoes, 65 Super Easy Finger Foods to Make for Any Party. Stokes Purple(R) Sweet Potatoes have been described as having a mildly sweet, floral taste. 2 tablespoons Hawaiian honey. Peel and cut the Okinawan sweet potato into large pieces for cooking. You should be able to find them in most Asian markets, and often in larger grocery stores. The Hawaiian Sweet Potato goes by a few other names: Hawaiian Sweet Potato is very healthy and has even been coined a superfood. In Hawaii you can find purple sweet potatoes at most markets and supermarkets. Mash by hand for a chunkier texture, or puree with a mixer for a smooth consistency. Today, Okinawan sweet potatoes, sometimes known as Hawaiian Sweet Potatoes, are a part of the native menu in Hawaii. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions with a more consistent temperature which so unlike the four seasons commonly experienced here in the states. The skin, which resembles a russet, is tan, but the flesh is magenta in color, giving it a sweet surprise. Although they are called Okinawan these purple sweet potatoes actually have their origins in South America. This post may contain affiliate links. Place an Okinawan sweet potato on a plate. I used Japanese sweet potatoes, but if you can find the brilliant purple hued Okinawa sweet potato youll have a feast for the eye as well as the palate. Joan Velush, 3 to 4medium purple Okinawa sweet potatoes, 1/3 teaspoon Hawaiian sea salt, or kosher salt, more to taste. Boil potatoes for 30 minutes or until soft (will turn dark purple), then drain. I am a professional Minnesota blogger. At first, I couldn't find any recipes, and had a hard time finding a way to cook them that didn't leave them hard and dry. Add sugar, butter . Hope this helps and enjoy! They're also used in sweets, such as cakes, ice cream, and chocolates. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. With all these nutritional benefits, Okinawan sweet potatoes are a great food to include in your meals. Drain. MyRecipes may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Add more coconut milk until the desired consistency is reached. My aunt said she dumped some of this crop there a long time ago and it just started growing and propagating from there, said she never really had the heart to dig them out, though. ~Valentina, Your email address will not be published. What a great find. Okinawan sweet potatoes are believed to have originally come from the Aztecs. I made the recipe as is and served pork cutlets and vegetables with them. Everything should mix together very well as long as you make sure you these steps quickly. This makes for a fun side dish that's excellent with almost anything. The sweet potato is a great source of nutrition. When potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel and slice into 1/2-in.-thick slices. ~Valentina. Getting a plant can be a bit tricky since it is patented by Stokes Purplewho initially introduced it to the US market in 2003. These purple sweet potatoes are prized for their high level of antioxidants, and are said to have 150 percent more antioxidants than blueberries. But there are plenty of season-specific adventures to enjoy that dont involve overheating in the sun! They flavor of an Okinawan sweet potato (Hawaiian Sweet Potato) is mildly sweet with notes of honey. When you are unsure, use the baked potato button on some microwaves. SUNSET may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Press Steam button for 19 minutes. One time, when we did a theme dinner, based around the movie Four Weddings and a Funeral, One of my side dishes was a double mash of the sweet potatoes and regular orange sweet potatoes side by side in a yin and yang pattern . What's the difference between Hawaiian Sweet Potato and Okinawan Sweet Potato? The Hawaiian sweet potato (also known as the Okinawan sweet potato) is a staple food in Hawaii. The both absorbed the cream and the butter in the same way. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies acrylamide as a Group 2A carcinogen. MashedPeel the skin, cut the potatoes into large chunks, and boil for 30 minutes until soft. Such a beautiful and happy color -- and can be calming too. If you are new to Japanese sweet potatoes, let's discover more about this amazing root vegetable today! We have an old water well in the country, and these Okinawan sweet potatoes are like vines climbing all over that well. If you're already surprised to learn that purple sweet potato exists, let's complicate things even further: There's more than one type of purple sweet potato, too. You may need to add some coconut milk or vegan margarine if it needs to be a little creamier. Also known as Hawaiian Sweet Potatoes or Hawaiian Purple Sweet Potatoes, these unique potatoes are magenta-purple on the inside, and a creamy beige on the outside. Purple sweet potatoes are wonderful on their own, and even more amazing when turned into a dessert or savory dish! In Japan, sweet potatoes are the signature flavor of fall. Once creamy, it put it in the freezer for a yummy midnight dessert. Pinch salt. Hi, I'm Valentina, certified chef, owner, recipe developer and photographer at Cooking on the Weekends. Water well. They instantly elevate the appearance of any dish they are used in. She has nearly 7 years experience writing news and lifestyle content. Sweet potatoes grown in the island are similar to potatoes grown in other parts of the world. Peel the skin, cut the potatoes into large chunks, and boil for 30 minutes until soft. Purple sweet potatoes have three times the amount of anthocyanins as blueberries. First prepare the Okinawan purple sweet potato. Sweet potatoes grown in Japan have a slightly different flavor than sweet potatoes grown in the United States. This is a winner I will be sure to make again. Step 2 While potatoes are boiling, grate zest from limes and set aside; then squeeze juice from limes and set aside. You are right, they do make an incredibly beautiful side dish. Let the potato cool for a few minutes before eating. I'll be writing about everything I ate on the trip soon. But how do you cook them? Cooking them on a cookie sheet or in a dish results in a drying effect. 1/2 cup sour cream. Let me know what you think and if you have your own recipe to recommend, just post it in the comments section below and I would love to try it myself. But the kind we buy must be a lightly different variety as they have purple skin and flesh. Think of a regular potato, but deeper in flavor and also sweeter in tastealmost like there is a soft honey note.