20+ Healthy Yams Recipe For Thanksgiving Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 9, 2024
The holiday season is upon us and that means one thing - Thanksgiving feast! While the traditional Thanksgiving dishes are always a hit, it's always nice to switch things up and add some healthy options to the dinner table. This year, why not try a delicious and nutritious yam recipe? Not only are yams a staple Thanksgiving side dish, but they are also packed with essential nutrients that are beneficial for your overall health. In this article, we will share an easy and healthy yam recipe that will elevate your Thanksgiving feast and leave your guests wanting more.
Main Ingredients: Yam, Frozen Spinach, Eggs, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder
Want to impress your guests at your next brunch? Look no further than these delicious Spinach Sweet Potato Egg Nests. The combination of sweet potato, spinach, and eggs makes for a flavorful and healthy dish that will leave everyone wanting more. Plus, it's super easy to make and can be customized to fit any dietary restrictions. Whether you're a meat lover or a vegetarian, this recipe is sure to please.
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Healthy Candied Yams!
Main Ingredients: Yam, Orange Juice, Maple Syrup, Cinnamon, Nutmeg
Satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt with these Healthy Candied Yams. Made with natural ingredients and no added sugar, this version of the classic soul food dish is just as delicious as the original. The yams are baked to perfection and topped with a touch of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It's the perfect side dish for any occasion and a great way to sneak some extra nutrients into your diet.
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Easy Healthy Winter Soup
Main Ingredients: Yams, Celery, Purple Onion, Dried Oregano, Dried Thyme
Warm up on a cold winter day with this Easy Healthy Winter Soup. Packed with seasonal vegetables and protein-rich quinoa, this soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. The combination of flavors from the vegetables and spices creates a comforting and hearty dish that will keep you satisfied for hours. Plus, it's an easy one-pot meal that can be made in advance for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.
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Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Main Ingredients: Beets, Butternut Squash, Yam, Parsnip, Large Carrot
Looking for a simple and flavorful side dish to accompany your main course? These Oven Roasted Root Vegetables are the perfect addition to any meal. The combination of sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and beets creates a colorful and nutrient-rich dish that is packed with antioxidants. The vegetables are tossed in olive oil and seasoned with herbs for a delicious and healthy option that everyone will love.
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Baked Candied Yams - Soul Food Style
Main Ingredients: Yams, Salted Butter, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg
Bring a taste of the South to your dinner table with these Baked Candied Yams - Soul Food Style. This recipe stays true to traditional soul food cooking, with the sweet potatoes cooked in a sweet and buttery glaze until they are tender and caramelized. It's the perfect side dish for any barbecue or holiday feast. And the best part? It's easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
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Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Yams, Plain Greek Yogurt, Brown Sugar, Pumpkin Pie
Upgrade your mashed potato game with these Mashed Sweet Potatoes. The natural sweetness of the yams pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of garlic and herbs for a dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins and minerals, making this dish a healthy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a hearty vegetarian main course.
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Hasselback Potato Gratin
Main Ingredients: Gruyere Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Heavy Cream, Garlic
Impress your guests with this visually stunning Hasselback Potato Gratin. The thinly sliced potatoes are baked to perfection and topped with a creamy and cheesy sauce. This dish is the perfect combination of crispy and creamy textures and is sure to be a hit at any dinner party. It's a great way to elevate a classic potato dish and turn it into something special.
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The Best EVER Candied Yams
Main Ingredients: Yams, Butter, Dark Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar
If you're looking for the ultimate candied yams recipe, look no further than The Best EVER Candied Yams. This dish takes the classic soul food dish to the next level with a rich and flavorful glaze made from brown sugar, butter, and spices. The yams are baked to perfection and topped with toasted marshmallows for a dish that is truly indulgent and delicious.
Take a trip to the South with these Southern Baked Candied Yams. This recipe stays true to traditional Southern cooking, with the yams baked in a sweet and buttery sauce until they are caramelized and tender. It's the perfect combination of sweet and savory and the perfect side dish for any holiday feast or family dinner.
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Candied Yams
Main Ingredients: Yams, Brown Sugar, Ground Nutmeg, Butter, Mini
Looking for a simple and delicious way to prepare yams? This Candied Yams recipe is the perfect option. The yams are baked in a sweet and buttery glaze that caramelizes and creates a delicious coating on the outside. It's a great way to enjoy the natural sweetness of yams and is the perfect side dish for any occasion.
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Spiralized Garlic Sriracha Hash Browns with Baked Eggs
Main Ingredients: Evoo, Minced Garlic, Yam, Salt, Pepper, Sriracha
Elevate your breakfast game with these Spiralized Garlic Sriracha Hash Browns with Baked Eggs. This dish takes hash browns to the next level with a spicy and flavorful twist. The spiralized potatoes are tossed with garlic and Sriracha for a kick of heat, and topped with baked eggs for a protein-packed meal. It's a great way to start your day with a flavorful and healthy dish.
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Slow Cooker Southern Candied Yams
Main Ingredients: Yams, Cornstarch, White Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar
Save time and oven space with these Slow Cooker Southern Candied Yams. This recipe takes the classic soul food dish and makes it even easier by cooking it in a slow cooker. The result is tender and flavorful yams that are cooked in a sweet and buttery sauce until they are caramelized and delicious. It's the perfect side dish for any holiday feast or family gathering.
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Moroccan-Style Vegetable Couscous
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sweet Onion, Chopped Garlic
Looking for a vegetarian dish that is full of flavor and easy to make? This Moroccan-Style Vegetable Couscous is the perfect option. The combination of spices, vegetables, and couscous creates a dish that is both hearty and healthy. It's a great way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet without sacrificing flavor.
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Balsamic Roasted Yams and Onions
Main Ingredients: Yams, Onions, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Ground
Take your roasted vegetable game to the next level with these Balsamic Roasted Yams and Onions. The sweetness of the yams pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar, creating a delicious and flavorful dish. This side dish is perfect for any occasion and can be served alongside your favorite protein for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Harvest Roasted Root Vegetable Salad with Farro
Main Ingredients: Yam, Beets, Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Kosher
Looking for a healthy and hearty salad option? This Harvest Roasted Root Vegetable Salad with Farro is the perfect choice. Roasted root vegetables are combined with nutritious farro and leafy greens for a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables and whole grains into your diet in a delicious and flavorful way.
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Quinoa Mushroom Burger
Main Ingredients: Quinoa, Water, Olive Oil, Shallot, Crushed Red Pepper
Upgrade your burger game with this Quinoa Mushroom Burger. This vegetarian option is packed with protein-rich quinoa and savory mushrooms for a delicious and satisfying meal. The combination of flavors and textures makes this burger a favorite even among meat lovers. Serve it on a bun with your favorite toppings or enjoy it on its own.
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Clean Eating Yam Protein Muffins
Main Ingredients: Yams, Egg Whites, Vanilla Whey Protein, Canela
Who says muffins can't be healthy? These Clean Eating Yam Protein Muffins are a delicious and nutritious option for breakfast or as a snack. Made with protein powder, oats, and natural sweeteners, these muffins are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. Plus, the addition of yams adds a nutrient boost to these tasty treats.
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Jamaican Gungo Peas Soup (Pigeon Peas) Vegan
Main Ingredients: Peas, Water, Coconut Milk, Onion, Green Onions, Red
Warm up on a cold day with this hearty and flavorful Jamaican Gungo Peas Soup. Made with pigeon peas and seasonal vegetables, this soup is not only delicious but also vegan-friendly. The combination of spices and flavors creates a dish that is truly reminiscent of the Caribbean. Serve it with a side of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Chipotle Salmon with Avocado, Apple, Yam Salsa
Main Ingredients: Yam, Avocado, Ambrosia Apple, Parsley, Purple Onion
Looking for a dish that is both healthy and flavorful? This Chipotle Salmon with Avocado, Apple, Yam Salsa is the perfect option. The spicy chipotle seasoning pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado and sweet yam salsa for a dish that is both delicious and nutritious. It's a great way to incorporate more omega-3 fatty acids into your diet while enjoying a tasty meal.
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Skinny Mashed Yams
Main Ingredients: Yams, Ground Cinnamon, Sea Salt, Water, Butter, Pepper
Indulge in comfort food without the guilt with these Skinny Mashed Yams. Made with low-fat milk and nutritious yams, this dish is a healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. But don't worry, the yams are still packed with flavor and nutrients, making this side dish a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
Why Choose Yams?
Rich in Nutrients
Yams may look like sweet potatoes, but they are actually a different tuber vegetable. They are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to any meal. Yams are loaded with vitamin C, which is essential for a strong immune system, especially during the cold winter months. They also contain high levels of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and promotes heart health. Additionally, yams are a great source of antioxidants that can help protect your body from free radical damage.
Lower Glycemic Index
One of the main differences between yams and sweet potatoes is their glycemic index (GI). The GI measures how quickly a food raises your blood sugar levels. Yams have a lower GI compared to sweet potatoes, which means they are digested slower, keeping you feeling fuller for longer and preventing spikes in blood sugar levels. This makes yams a great option for diabetics or those watching their sugar intake.
Versatile and Delicious
Yams are incredibly versatile and can be prepared in a variety of ways. You can roast them, mash them, or even turn them into fries. They have a naturally sweet and nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of spices and herbs. This makes them the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving menu, as they can be incorporated into both savory and sweet dishes.
Healthy Yam Recipe for Thanksgiving
Now that you know the benefits of yams, it's time to try out a delicious and healthy recipe for Thanksgiving. This roasted yam and kale salad is a crowd-pleaser and will be a great addition to your holiday feast.
Ingredients:
2 large yams, peeled and cut into cubes
1 bunch of kale, stems removed and chopped
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
In a large bowl, toss the yams with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Spread the yams onto a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly browned.
In the meantime, make the dressing by whisking together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
In a large serving bowl, massage the chopped kale with the dressing for 1-2 minutes to soften it.
Add the roasted yams, sliced red onion, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the kale.
Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve the salad warm or at room temperature.
In Conclusion
This healthy yam recipe is not only delicious, but it's also packed with essential nutrients that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. Give it a try this Thanksgiving and impress your family and friends with this tasty and nutritious side dish. Enjoy!
