What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Waste Not, Want Not: Okinawan Sweet Potato Medley! Way back when I was in middle school, my home economics teacher actually graded us on how colorful the foods looked on the plate. Her thoughts were “If it tempts your eyes, your stomach will want it.” I never forgot that message. She was pretty adamant about food presentation. So having mashed potatoes, rolls, and cauliflower was kind of a no-no when meal planning. That’s one of the reasons I was intrigued by Okinawan sweet potatoes when visiting Kauai. They are buff-skinned on the outside with a violet-purple flesh inside. It’s not as sweet as the orange variety I’m accustomed to, but nonetheless, it’s pretty tasty. And as you can see, it passes the color test.
OKINAWAN SWEET POTATO MEDLEY
Ingredients:
1 large Okinawan sweet potato, skin on, washed and sliced
1 medium sweet onion, sliced
2 each of mini sweet peppers in red, yellow, and orange; stems and seeds removed, cut in wedges
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
4 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
Spray a sheet of heavy aluminum foil with nonstick oil. Arrange Okinawan sweet potatoes on foil. Add sweet onion slices and mini sweet pepper wedges. Sprinkle with seasoned salt, oregano, and cinnamon. Dot with pats of butter. Place another sheet of heavy aluminum foil over top of vegetables. Fold sides twice to seal. Fold ends twice to seal. Avoid puncturing foil. Place packet on a 425° preheated grill. Close lid. Cook 25 minutes, or until vegetables are fork tender. Remove from grill. Carefully open one corner of foil packet to release steam. Then remove top layer of foil. Transfer sweet potatoes and vegetables in the herbed butter to a platter. Serve immediately.
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YUM! it’s so colorful too. I am definitely going to have to make this.
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The mini sweet potatoes seemed to compliment the potatoes and onions. 🌿🌱🍃
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It just looks and sounds delicious!
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There isn’t one thing about this dish, there’s everything. The colors and the ingredients . . . cinnamon and butter? SOLD! And the fact that it can be a side or a meal (Yes, I would let this be front and center on certain nights).
Another home run, Gail
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Thanks, Marco. Unfortunately, I made this while staying on Kauai. I can’t find Okinawan sweet potatoes anywhere in town. 😜
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It’s quite beautiful
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Delicious! I must look for the Okinawa sweet potato – I had my first purple yam on the island of Hawaii 🙂
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I have a place I think might have them. It’s in the next State so I need to call to find out how they are handling customers now. Restrictions, you know. In any event, I’ve started a list, so when I do get there it will be worth my while. 🤔
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So far I have found them at Plum Market and Target (of all places) in my area. I don’t recall seeing them at the big stores I often shop at.
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Hmmmm. No Target by me. Another road trip. lol 🤣
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Looks delicious and such a great lesson! I have never had purple yams or seen them before. Now I will have to keep an eye out for them.
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There is another one that is often used in making sweet desserts. Truth. 😍🍃
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I love this variety of sweet potato! Or any for that matter! Beautiful dish!
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Thanks, Laura. We eat sweet potatoes the entire day time we are staying in Hawaii. 🌴😋🌿
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Yum these look good! I love roasted root veggies!
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The touch of smoky grilled flavor escalated the combo as well. 😋🌿
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Emmmm Looks Yummy for my tummy!!
Love Always, YSIC \o/
Kristi Ann
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