Hawaiian Yam Bake

Hawaiian Yam Bake Recipe - Vegetarian Delight from Hawaii

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Hawaiian Yam Bake is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of yams, pineapple, bananas, hearts of palm, tempeh, and lentils. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

History

The Hawaiian Yam Bake recipe is inspired by traditional Hawaiian cuisine, which often incorporates tropical fruits and vegetables. This dish is a modern twist on classic Hawaiian flavors, combining sweet and savory ingredients for a unique and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

8 large yams, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
2 cups pineapple chunks
1 cup sliced bananas
2 cups hearts of palm, cut into 2-inch chunks
2 cups tempeh, cut into 1-inch chunks
2 cups dried lentils
1.5 cups apple juice
1.5 cups vegetable stock
0.5 cup honey
0.5 cup cider vinegar

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 250°F (121°C).
In a large roasting pan or casserole dish, combine all the ingredients. Place the dish in the oven and bake covered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Serve the dish hot.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and texture.
Substitute tofu for tempeh for a different protein source.
Top the dish with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to peel and cut the yams into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking.

- Stir the ingredients occasionally while baking to ensure that all the flavors are well combined.

- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the dish by adding more or less honey to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Hawaiian Yam Bake can be served as a main dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled fish or chicken.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the dish covered at a low temperature allows all the flavors to meld together and creates a tender and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tempeh, you can substitute tofu or seitan for a different protein option. You can also use canned pineapple chunks instead of fresh pineapple.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Hawaiian Yam Bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Simply cover the dish with foil and bake it when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Hawaiian Yam Bake in a large serving dish and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of black sesame seeds for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a tropical fruit punch or a coconut water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Hawaiian Yam Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hawaiian Yam Bake contains approximately 300 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hawaiian Yam Bake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates, making it a great source of energy for your body.

Fats

This dish is low in fat, with only 2 grams of fat per serving, making it a healthy option for those watching their fat intake.

Proteins

Hawaiian Yam Bake is a good source of protein, with 12 grams of protein per serving, thanks to the tempeh and lentils in the dish.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the pineapple and bananas, as well as iron and fiber from the lentils and tempeh.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy from the tempeh, so it may not be suitable for those with soy allergies.

Summary

Overall, Hawaiian Yam Bake is a nutritious and well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Hawaiian Yam Bake is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the tropical flavors of yams, pineapple, bananas, and tempeh. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of Hawaii with this delicious recipe!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Hawaiian Yam Bake. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Mary at her beach house. She had invited me over for a casual lunch, and as we chatted and caught up on each other's lives, the delicious aroma of something baking in the oven wafted through the air.

I asked Mary what she was making, and she smiled mischievously before revealing the secret to her mouth-watering dish - Hawaiian Yam Bake. She explained that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had picked it up during a trip to Hawaii many years ago.

As soon as she pulled the dish out of the oven, I knew I had to have the recipe. The sweet scent of yams mixed with coconut and pineapple was irresistible, and I couldn't wait to recreate it in my own kitchen. Mary was more than happy to share the recipe with me, and I eagerly scribbled down the ingredients and instructions on a notepad.

When I got back home, I wasted no time in gathering the necessary ingredients and getting to work on the Hawaiian Yam Bake. The recipe called for yams, crushed pineapple, coconut milk, brown sugar, and a few other simple ingredients. As I peeled and sliced the yams, I couldn't help but reminisce about my own grandmother, who had passed down so many cherished recipes to me over the years.

I poured the coconut milk over the yams and pineapple, sprinkled on the brown sugar, and popped the dish into the oven to bake. As the sweet aroma filled my kitchen, I knew I had stumbled upon a new favorite recipe. The flavors of the tropics blended together perfectly, creating a dish that was both comforting and exotic.

When the Hawaiian Yam Bake was finally ready, I couldn't resist digging in right away. The yams were tender and sweet, the pineapple added a tangy kick, and the coconut milk brought everything together in a creamy, decadent sauce. I savored each bite, feeling as though I had been transported to a tropical paradise with every mouthful.

I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own culinary repertoire, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends. Over the years, I made the Hawaiian Yam Bake countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I added a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, spicy flavor, other times I threw in a handful of chopped macadamia nuts for a crunchy texture.

No matter how I served it, the Hawaiian Yam Bake was always a hit. Whenever I made it for potlucks or family gatherings, it was the first dish to disappear, with everyone clamoring for the recipe. I took great pride in sharing the recipe with others, knowing that it had been passed down through generations and now held a special place in my own kitchen.

As I grew older, the Hawaiian Yam Bake became a symbol of the memories and traditions that I held dear. It reminded me of lazy summer days spent at the beach, of cherished friendships, and of the joy that cooking and sharing good food can bring. And every time I made it, I felt a connection to my grandmother and all the other women who had passed down their culinary knowledge to me.

In a way, the Hawaiian Yam Bake became more than just a recipe - it was a link to the past, a taste of the tropics, and a reminder of the love and warmth that food can bring to our lives. And as I continued to cook and experiment in the kitchen, I knew that I would always hold onto this recipe as a treasured heirloom, to be passed down to future generations and enjoyed for years to come.