Yum Yam Bowl with Cilantro Spread and Red Pickled Onions

My family eats vegetable-based meals at least three to four times a week, and one dish that has become a favorite is this Yum Yam Bowl. This bowl is a nutritional powerhouse, offering a well-rounded composition of essential macronutrients and micronutrients and boasting a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Packed with protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and vital vitamins, including the rejuvenating vitamin A, the immune-boosting vitamin C, and the muscle-nurturing potassium, my recipe provides a convenient and wholesome way to prepare a quick vegetable-based meal without compromising on flavor or quality. The bowl is a combination of roasted sweet potatoes (or yams) with a caramelized exterior, vibrant spinach, luscious jammy eggs, and a velvety cilantro spread. Lastly, the bowl is elegantly crowned with pickled onions to add a touch of sweetness, acidity, and tang to each bite.

An exceptional element of this dish is the cilantro spread, crafted from a blend of Icelandic yogurt, fragrant cilantro, aromatic garlic, and scallions. While it is not meant to be eaten on its own, this robust spread brings a brightness to the Yum Yam Bowl when paired with it.

This recipe is versatile and flexible to cater to individual preferences and makes it a great contribution to potlucks. You can experiment with various types of vegetables, such as carrots, cucumbers, or peppers, and enhance the cilantro spread with different herbs and spices, allowing you to customize the dish to your liking.

Whether you are seeking a meal to enjoy at home or a dish to share with friends, the Yum Yam Bowl is a great seasonal dish that is full of flavor and will leave you and your loved ones satisfied and nourished.

Give this recipe a try, and I hope it brings you as much joy and satisfaction as it does to my family. Have a colorful day!

• Time and Serving Size

  Time:

  Prep: 10 min

  Cook: 31 min

  Servings: 4

• Ingredients

  For Bowl

  3 yams (large, or sweet potatoes)

  cilantro

  Red pickled onions

  4 eggs

  8 cups of spinach or more (adjust to liking)

  3 pinches turmeric

  3 pinches ground ginger

  salt (to taste)

  pepper (to taste)

  spring onion

  drizzle olive oil

  For Cilantro Spread

  1 cup icelandic plain yogurt

  ⅔ cup cilantro

  2 garlic cloves

  2 tablespoons water

  2 stalks scallions

  2 tablespoons olive oil

  1 teaspoon honey

• Nutrition

  Nutrition per serving:

  Calories 479.87, 24% DV

  Total Fat 16.14, 23% DV

  Saturated Fat 2.34, 12% DV

  Cholesterol 141, 47% DV

  Sodium 317.53, 13% DV

  Carbohydrates 73.2, 28% DV

  Fiber 10.19, 36% DV

  Sugar 6.74, 7% Dv

  Protein 11.68, 23% DV

  Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

  Health Score: 8.0/10

  *Health Scores are calculated on a 1-10 scale based on nutrient density and USDA recommendations for a healthy diet. A higher Health Score means healthier food. The value based on impact of more than 28 nutrients.

  Nutrients in this dish with a positive impact:

  Unsaturated Fat 11g, 22% DV

  Fiber 10g, 36% DV

  Protein 12g, 23% DV

  Potassium 2153mg, 62% DV

  Magnesium 67mg, 18% DV

  Iron 3mg, 18% DV

• Flavor Profile

  Tasting Notes:

  Slightly sweet, Rich, Earthy - Yams or sweet potatoes when roasted form a caramelized exterior and sweeten over time.

  Fresh, Herbal - The cilantro adds a fresh and vibrant note, lending a distinct herbal and citrusy taste to the dish.

  Sweet, Tangy, Slightly Acidic - The pickled onions contribute a touch of sweetness, along with a tangy and slightly acidic flavor that complements the other ingredients.

  Savory, Creamy - The eggs are cooked to a soft, slightly runny yolk, providing a creamy and rich texture with a subtle savory taste.

  Bright, Earthy, Peppery - Turmeric and ground ginger add warmth and depth to the dish, imparting a mild earthiness and a hint of peppery notes.

  Savory - Salt and pepper enhance the overall flavor profile, bringing a balanced and savory taste to the bowl.

  Slightly Sweet, Aromatic - The spring onion adds a mild onion flavor with a slight hint of sweetness, providing a fresh and aromatic element to the dish.

  Subtle Fruity, Nutty - The drizzle of olive oil adds a luscious richness and a subtle fruity note, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.

  Herbal, Tangy, Creamy, Bright - The Cilantro Spread, with its combination of Icelandic yogurt, cilantro, garlic, scallions, olive oil, and honey, offers a creamy and tangy taste with a bright herbal undertone.

For Bowl

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 425 Degrees F.

Step 2

Peel and slice the yams or sweet potatoes. Place them on a sheet pan, season, and drizzle with olive oil. Toss and arrange the yams or sweet potatoes in a thin layer.

Step 3

Cut the bulbs off of the spring onions and arrange on top of the sweet potatoes or yams. (Remove the roots, save the tops in the refrigerator for future use). Place the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the yams or sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 4

Meanwhile, sauté the spinach with a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan and make the Cilantro spread and the Jammy Eggs.

For the Cilantro Spread

Step 1

Place all ingredients into the food processor and pulse until smooth.

For the Jammy Eggs

Step 1

Bring a pot of water to boil. With a slotted spoon, gently lower the eggs into the pot. Adjust the heat to bring the water to a rolling boil. Boil the eggs for 6 1/2 minutes.

Step 2

Place the eggs in an ice bath until cooled and then remove the shell and slice the eggs in half.

To Serve

Step 1

Spread 1-2 tablespoons of the cilantro spread onto a bowl or plate. Layer on the roasted sweet potatoes or yams, spinach, the jammy eggs, and the pickled onions. Enjoy!