Yaki-imo (roasted Japanese sweet potato - "Satsuma imo") is such a popular snack in the winter time in Japan. There are yaki-imo street vendors and these carts would go around your neighborhood.
I like making my yaki-imo with my tagine-style donabe, "Fukkura-san". With the effect of FIR (far-infrared radiation), even a large piece of yam can cook so tender and sweet. I got a real large one (maybe 1.5 pound or so) the other day. I simply set the yam in the donabe and roasted over medium-high heat for over 1 hour.
The donabe-roasted yam was sliced...it turned into nice golden yellow. Right under the skin was even naturally caramerized and especially sweet. With the butter and a little sprinkle of sea salt, this simple roasted yam became such a special treat. It was so sweet, so dense, and so delicious.
You can find the recipe (if you call it a recipe...) on toiro's website.
Happy donabe life.
