how long to bake yams at 400
To bake yams at 400°F (200°C), follow these steps for a delicious and evenly cooked result:
Ingredients/Tools Needed:
- Yams (medium size)
- Aluminum foil
- Fork
- Optional: Olive oil, salt, pepper, herbs, or spices for seasoning
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Wash the Yams: Scrub the yams thoroughly under clean water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Poke Holes: Use a fork to poke several holes in each yam to allow steam to escape, preventing them from bursting in the oven.
-
Seasoning (Optional):
- Lightly coat the yams with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices.
-
Wrapping:
- Wrap each yam individually in aluminum foil. This helps retain moisture and promotes even cooking.
-
Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the wrapped yams directly on the middle rack of the oven.
- Bake for 60 minutes for medium-sized yams. Adjust the time based on size: 45 minutes for small yams and up to 75 minutes for large ones.
-
Checking Doneness:
- After the recommended baking time, carefully remove a yam from the oven (use oven mitts to protect your hands).
- Unwrap the foil and check for doneness by inserting a fork. If it slides in easily, the yam is cooked through.
- Cooling and Serving:
- Allow the yams to cool for 5-10 minutes before handling.
- Serve as-is or add toppings like butter, honey, maple syrup, or other desired seasonings.
Tips:
- Even Cooking: Consider turning the yams halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
- Meal Timing: Start baking yams early if preparing other dishes, as they take the longest to cook.
- Variety Note: If using true yams, they may take longer due to their larger size and starchier nature.
Enjoy your perfectly baked yams!
