The yam --- similar to, but not the same as, a sweet potato, though many Americans use the terms interchangeably --- is a versatile vegetable because of its sweet, stringy flesh. Sweet potatoes are firm or soft; those of the soft variety, which become moist and soft when cooked, are usually labeled as yams in the United States. Yams are served as a side dish, used as an ingredient in desserts and as special treats eaten with hot, buttery spreads. The yam's strong flavor and texture allow for seasonings that mix sweet, salty and spicy.
Meat
Pork complements the taste of sweet baked yams. A baked ham is often included on the menu with baked candied yams for special meals. Bake one whole yam, as you would a potato, and serve it with a ham steak for a quick dinner. Baked salmon and a baked yam is another quick meal. Serve sliced baked yams with beef dishes, such as a pot roast or spare ribs. Add color and texture to an ordinary chicken dinner with baked yams mashed and seasoned with cinnamon or nutmeg.
Side Dishes
Bright orange yams add to the visual appeal of a meal when combined with other colorful vegetables. Add a dark green ,leafy vegetable, such as spinach or collard greens. Corn on the cob lightly sprinkled with pepper adds another color and texture to the plate. Try a sauerkraut dish or a cold cabbage salad to play off the sweetness of the yams. Bake home-made macaroni and cheese for a Southern-style holiday meal and add fresh, well-seasoned green beans. Rice is a nice addition to yams if roast beef is part of the menu.
Dips
Dips go with baked yams if the yams are cut into French-fry-type shapes, seasoned and baked on a lightly oiled baking sheet for about 25 minutes. Make the dip with a fat-free sour cream, mayonnaise, taco seasoning and paprika, the Allrecipes.com website suggests. Meanwhile, the Food and Whine website recommends a ranch or chipotle dressing with baked yam medallions seasoned with Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano and basil.
Fruits
Fruits go with baked yams, particularly if cooked in a one-dish meal with a boneless beef brisket. Add yams, pitted prunes, dried apricots and seasonings, such as onions, garlic, allspice, paprika and red pepper. Add chicken broth for a little liquid during baking; you can also add red wine. Add 1 ½-inch pieces of yams and carrots to the pot after 1 1/2 hours of cooking. Spice up regular baked yams by adding sliced apples, orange slices or pineapple chunks.
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