Asian Sweet Potato Food

SWEET POTATO NOODLES (JAPCHAE)

Steps:

• Cook the sweet potato noodles in a large pot of boiling water for 4 to 5 minutes. Immediately drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Be sure not to overcook the noodles, or they will lose their chewy texture. If you like, cut the noodles with scissors into 6- to 7-inch lengths for easier eating.
• Blanch the spinach in boiling water. Rinse immediately under cold water, squeeze the water from the leaves and form into a ball, and then cut the ball in half. Combine the spinach, half the garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of the sesame oil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Set aside to let the flavors soak in.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef, the remaining garlic, 1 teaspoon of the soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of the sesame oil. Stir-fry until the beef is cooked, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the onion, mushrooms, and carrot and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the green onions and stir-fry for another minute. Remove from the heat.
• In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the noodles, beef mixture, spinach, remaining 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and the sugar. Serve warm, sprinkled with sesame seeds.

SWEET POTATO ASIAN DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• Cook sweet potato chunks in a covered pot of boiling water until very tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse until cool to the touch. Transfer sweet potato to a mixing bowl.
• Use the back of a fork to mash the sweet potato until mostly smooth. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, shallot, garlic, cilantro or chives, and ginger, and stir well.
• To assemble the dumplings, brush the edges of a won ton skin lightly with water (use a clean finger or a small pastry brush). Place about a teaspoon of the sweet potato mixture in the center of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half and make 5-6 small pleats as you seal the wrapper together, pinching gently to ensure total closure. Repeat with the remaining filling and wrappers, until all the dumplings are made.
• To cook the dumplings, heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large non-stick frying pan (make sure it has a fitted lid and set it near the stove), over medium heat. Working in batches, arrange the dumplings close to one another (but not touching) in the pan) and let cook for 2-3 minutes, until a golden crust begins to develop on the bottom. Flip the dumplings, and cook on the other side for 1-2 minutes, until a crust develops.
• Carefully pour about 3 tbsp water over the dumplings, then cover the pan quickly and let steam for about 3 minutes.
• Remove the lid and let the dumplings aerate until the excess water is cooked away and the bottoms become crisp again.
• Transfer the cooked dumplings to a serving platter, repeat with the remaining uncooked dumplings, then serve immediately, with soy sauce (or your favorite asian sauce) for dipping.

ASIAN SWEET POTATO SALAD WITH CUCUMBERS, DATES AND ARUGULA

Steps:

• Begin by peeling and dicing sweet potatoes. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the potatoes, reduce heat and cook until just tender but still have a little bite. Drain and place in a bowl to cool.
• Combine the dressing ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Once potatoes are cool toss with dressing and set aside on salad platter.
• Combine ingredients in a large mixing bowl and dress with lemon juice, olive oil, to taste, a splash of soy sauce, and a little salt and pepper. Toss well and place on top of the sweet potatoes to serve as a complete salad.

ASIAN SWEET POTATO FRIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450°F.
• Spray baking dish.
• Arrange sweet potato pieces in baking dish.
• Mix soy sauce, ginger, chili powder, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour over sweet potatoes.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, until potatoes are tender.