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Yams with Crispy Skins and Brown-Butter Vinaigrette

This elegant vegetarian dish transforms humble red-skinned sweet potatoes into a sophisticated side that is perfect for a Sunday roast or a festive dinner party. By roasting the potatoes whole, the flesh stays incredibly sweet and creamy, providing a beautiful contrast to the salty, deep-fried skins. The addition of a tangy Dijon mustard and vinegar dressing cuts through the richness, creating a balanced and autumnal flavour profile.

Technically simple but visually impressive, this recipe is an excellent choice for those looking for a modern twist on classic root vegetables. The components can be prepared slightly in advance, making it a stress-free addition to a busy kitchen. Serve these potatoes alongside a crisp green salad or as a hearty accompaniment to your favourite meat-free main course for a truly comforting homemade meal.

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Ingredients for Yams with Crispy Skins and Brown-Butter Vinaigrette

  • 8 slender medium garnet yams or other yams (red-skinned sweet potatoes

  • about 2.3kg total), rinsed, dried

  • 230g (2 sticks) unsalted butter

  • 1 small shallot, peeled

  • 1 garlic clove, peeled

  • 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt plus additional for seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

How to make Yams with Crispy Skins and Brown-Butter Vinaigrette

Preheat oven to 204°C. Pierce each yam in several places with fork. Place directly on oven rack and roast until just tender, 40 to 50 minutes, depending on size of yams.

Transfer roasted yams to work surface. Using scissors, cut off ends of each yam, then cut skin on 1 long side and peel off in 1 piece, being careful not to break warm yams. Let yams cool to room temperature. Tear or cut skins into long ribbons, about 1 inch wide.

Cut yams crosswise into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Arrange rounds, slightly overlapping, in 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish or other ovenproof dish. Cover yams with aluminum foil to keep moist. DO AHEAD: Yams can be made up to 3 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Rewarm yams in 177°C oven 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Cook until butter browns (milk solids will turn deep golden brown), stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes. Carefully pour butter, including all brown milk solids, into small bowl.

Blend shallot, garlic, and 1 teaspoon coarse salt in processor until smooth, occasionally scraping down sides of bowl. Add Dijon mustard, then red wine vinegar. With motor running, gradually drizzle in butter (including browned milk solids). Season vinaigrette to taste with pepper and additional salt, if desired. do ahead Vinaigrette can be made 1 hour ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Blend again 5 seconds before using.

Pour enough vegetable oil into large deep skillet to reach depth of 1 inch. Attach deep-fry thermometer to side of skillet and heat oil to 177°C. Add yam skins in batches (oil will bubble up) and fry until skins are crisp and brown, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Using slotted spoon, carefully transfer yam skins to paper towels to drain. Sprinkle skins with coarse salt and pepper.

Spoon vinaigrette over potatoes. Scatter crisp skins over and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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