Purple Sweet Potato Roast
Photo: Carolina Ayala / Contributor
Rich in fiber and low in glycemic index, the Japanese purple sweet potatoes are having a moment. Thanks to the extensive research done to explore the diets of people living in Blue Zones, where the greatest numbers of centenarians live, purple sweet potatoes have been found to have been a part of the Okinawan diet for centuries. High in complex carbs, these stunningly beautiful potatoes, whose color remains bright even through a long cooking process, also pack an unusually high level of antioxidants.
What I personally like about them is that they are not as sweet as the orange or white sweet potatoes. The best way to cook them is to roast or braise since nutrients can be lost while steaming. Accompanied with yogurt flecked with cumin and a flavor packed herb masala, these potatoes are bound to become your new favorite starch. Add these to your holiday table for a bright splash of color and flavor! Purple sweet potatoes can be found in most grocery stores as well as in Asian markets.