Yahoo Lifestyle The Asian Way To Make Sweet Potato Casserole 10x Better
There’s something alluring about purple food. Maybe that's one of many the reasons why ube (pronounced ooh-bay), the heirloom produce of the Philippines, has been a flavor celebrated in the food world, including being featured in products at Trader Joe's and drinks at Dunkin'. Over on Reddit, I recently saw an ube casserole made with fresh ube and became instantly enchanted. It seemed like it would be the perfect addition to my Thanksgiving menu.
Related: What is Ube and Why is it So Popular?
I didn't want to get too ahead myself because I knew fresh ube isn't that easy to find in the U.S. But even though I wasn't able to find fresh ube I do know how to adapt, so I made a purple, Asian-inspired casserole using a more readily available ingredient, purple Japanese sweet potatoes. Here's how to do it at your house.
😋😋 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter 🍳🍔
What Are Purple Sweet Potatoes?
There are two types of purple sweet potatoes in Asian cooking: Murasaki sweet potatoes and Okinawan sweet potatoes.
Both of these varieties of sweet potatoes are native to Japan and have their own distinctly rich culinary histories. When cooked, they also differ in color. Murasaki sweet potatoes tend to be a more reddish-purple color, whereas Okinawan sweet potatoes lean towards a bluish-purple hue.
Both varieties are beautiful and so vibrant without a drop of food coloring. And as far as taste, I can’t really pick a favorite as both are buttery and subtly sweet. I enjoy mixing the two when I’m making casseroles to create a fun color and flavor combination.
Related: Patti LaBelle's Easy Candied Sweet Potatoes Capture the Essence of Soul Food
Courtesy of Kat Lieu
What You Need to Make Purple Sweet Potato Casserole
To make sweet potato casserole with purple sweet potatoes, you need about four to five medium-sized purple sweet potatoes, 1/4 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon red or white miso paste and marshmallows for topping. If you're using mini marshmallows you can keep them whole. Larger marshmallows should be cut in half crosswise (the short way).
Courtesy of Kat Lieu
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Purple Sweet Potatoes
Wash and peel the purple sweet potatoes, then cook them until fork-tender. You can roast, boil, steam or microwave them. If you go the microwave route, cube the potatoes or poke holes in whole ones with a fork; they’ll be ready in about 15 minutes.
Mash the cooked potatoes with the other ingredients until the mixture is smooth, then transfer to small baking dishes or ramekins (I do this so each person I'm serving has an individual portion). Top with marshmallows and bake at 350°–400° until the casserole is heated through and the marshmallows are golden and gooey.
Serve hot and let guests crack through the toasted marshmallow topping to reveal the vibrant, creamy casserole beneath.
Related: The Best Sweet Potato Casserole, According to Food Network
Courtesy of Kat Lieu
Why You Should Make Purple Sweet Potato Casserole
This sweet potato casserole feels both familiar and fresh—a reimagining of a classic holiday dish with a playful twist. Kiddos, like my son, will enjoy the beautiful color and the crunchy, crispy marshmallows. The final result is the perfect mashup of one of my beloved American holiday side dishes with a tasty purple Asian twist.
Up Next:
