This is how the Japanese cook sweet potatoes: Traditional recipe which keeps its nutrition and taste intact

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 Traditional recipe which keeps its nutrition and taste intact

Commonly known as Shakarkand, sweet potato is a popular and nutritious root vegetable widely consumed across India. It is called Sarkarai Valli Kizhangu in Tamil. While it is commonly available during winter, it is eaten throughout the year, especially as a fasting food.A very common sight on Indian streets is charcoal-grilled shakarkandi, often served as chaat with tangy and spicy toppings, black salt, and jeera (cumin). It is also commonly prepared by boiling. The boiled sweet potatoes are cut into pieces and then lightly sautéed in ghee. Spices are added, and the dish is served warm. Sweet potatoes are also used to make tikkis and parathas, and they are sometimes added to milk and desserts.

There is also a popular practice of making shakarkandi halwa.One of the best things about sweet potatoes is that they are very high in fiber. Despite being naturally sweet sweet potatoes can be consumed by the diabetics because they have a low glycemic index. They contain potassium, which helps manage sodium levels and regulate blood pressure. Sweet potatoes are a good source of important nutrients like antioxidants, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber.

Naturally they are good for digestive health and also improve and support the immune system.

100 grams of sweet potatoes contains only around 89 calories. Orange and purple varieties contain anthocyanins and beta-carotene, which help reduce inflammation and combat free radical damage. They are also a good source of manganese.

Sweet Potato

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In Japan, sweet potatoes are a staple food and are commonly enjoyed as part of regular meals.

It is often eaten as hot snack without adding much spices or oil.Blogger Akino Ogata shares how Japanese prepare sweet potatoes. According to her, this method of preparation not just keeps the nutrition intact but also maked the sweet potato sweeter.

  • First, soak the sweet potatoes in salted water. To prepare the mixture, add 1 tablespoon of salt to 2 liters of water. The sweet potatoes should be soaked for at least six hours.
  • After soaking, drain the water and wrap the sweet potatoes in aluminum foil. Bake them at 320°F (160°C) in an oven or air fryer for one hour. Then increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for another 10 minutes.
  • The inside turns syrupy, golden, and unbelievably sweet — with no sugar added. It just takes a little patience. You have to try this!

Baking vs boiling: Which is a better way to cook sweet potatoesBaking and boiling are two most common ways to cook sweet potatoes. While both the methods are healthy and keep the nutrition intact, there are some differences in the overall taste.

  • Baking makes the sweet potatoes taste sweeter as it caramalises the sugars inside the beets. Boiling adds a watery taste to them.
  • Boiling is simpler and quicker. Baking takles a lot of time.
  • If sweet potatoes need to be mashed, boiling is a better option.
  • Boiled sweet potatoes may slightly retain more beta-carotene compared to high-heat roasting but they may lose Vitamin c.
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