The yam's shape necessitates proper trimming.
Several factors affect a yam's hardness, such as growing region and type of strain. Cutting a yam when it's hard requires using the ideal tool, such as a serrated knife, or softening it with a moist- or dry-heat cooking method, such as steaming, simmering or oven warming. Additional considerations when cutting a hard yam include trimming it with the goal of creating a stable base to sit on; the base will prevent the yam from rolling on the cutting board during cutting.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Peel the yam with a vegetable peeler. Peel 1/3 inch from one side of the yam. That side will provide a base to stabilize it when cutting.
2. Position the yam on its flat base on a cutting board.
3. Cut the yam with a serrated bread knife to the .
Moist Heat
4. Peel the yam with a vegetable peeler. Trim 1/3 inch from one side of the yam to give it a flat surface to stand on when cutting. Place the yam in a saucepan.
5. Cover the yam with cold water and place it over medium heat. Always use cold water when simmering starchy vegetables, such as yams and potatoes, to prevent shocking the starch and producing a mealy texture.
6. Heat the yam in the water for 20 minutes.
7. Remove the yam and allow it to sit until cool enough to handle.
8. Position the yam on its flat base on the cutting board. Slice the yam to the desired dimensions.
Dry Heat
9. Heat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit or the warm setting.
10. Peel the yam, trimming 1/3 inch from side to provide a flat base during cutting. Place the yam on a sheet pan and place it the oven.
11. Heat the yam for 15 minutes.
12. Remove the yam and allow it to cool.
13. Position the yam on the cutting board and slice it to the desired dimensions.
Steaming
14. Peel the yam.
15. Fill a saucepan with 3 inches of water.
16. Insert a steamer basket in the saucepan and place it over high heat.
17.Bring the water to a boil and place the yam in the steamer basket.
18. Cover the saucepan and steam the yam for 10 minutes. Remove the yam and allow it to cool.
19. Slice the yam to the desired dimensions.
Tags: cutting board, desired dimensions, flat base, from side, inch from, inch from side