Discover the Magic of Ube: A Deliciously Healthy Side Dish
The vibrant purple yam, also known as ube, is rapidly gaining popularity in American cuisine. Its natural sweetness and earthy flavor make it an excellent candidate for roasting, and its stunning color adds a pop of vibrancy to any plate.
A Simple yet Impressive Recipe
This recipe is a masterclass in simplicity, requiring only a few ingredients to create a truly unforgettable side dish. By seasoning ube with tahini, lime juice, and coconut oil, you’ll unlock a flavor profile that’s both healthy and delicious. And, by skipping the bee pollen, you can easily make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Yield and Prep Time
This recipe yields 2-4 servings and takes approximately 35 minutes to prepare, with only 10 minutes of active cooking time.
Ingredients
- 2 medium purple yams (ube)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons tahini (sesame paste)
- 1/2 lime, plus extra for serving
- 1 teaspoon bee pollen (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Roasting to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Prick the yams all over with a fork and roast in the oven until soft when pierced in the middle with a fork, about 25 minutes. Set the yams aside to cool slightly.
Assembling the Dish
Using a paring knife, carefully peel the yams while they’re still hot; discard the skins. Slice the yams in half lengthwise and transfer them to a platter or individual plates. Gently press the yam halves into the plate(s), mashing them slightly.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of coconut oil to each yam half, distributing the oil evenly with a knife to coat the yam. Drizzle each yam half with 1/2 teaspoon of tahini, then squeeze the lime half evenly over each and grate the lime zest atop. Finally, top each with 1/4 teaspoon of bee pollen (if using) and a pinch of salt. Serve immediately with the remaining lime alongside.
A Recipe from Unicorn Food
This recipe is excerpted from “Unicorn Food: Beautiful Plant-Based Recipes to Nurture Your Inner Magical Beast” by Kat Odell (Workman Publishing). Photographs by AJ Meeker.
Leave a Reply