The product we used:
A Classic, Hokuhoku Treat
Japanese love sweet potatoes. Nearly ever supermarket in Japan has a special sweet potato roaster filled daily with sweet potatoes, especially in the winter. In the winter, sweet potato vendors roll slowly through residential areas in their trucks, chanting "Yakiimo~, Yakiimo~, Hokuhoku"--meaning "Sweet Potatoes~, Sweet Potatoes~, Piping hot". They're Japan's ice cream man.
But you don't need to live in Japan to enjoy this classic Japanese treat. Using cast iron or ceramic sweet potato pots, you can become your own "sweet potato man" right at home.
For this guide, we will assume you are using a cast iron sweet potato pot by our friends at OIGEN.
Before Use
Like all cast iron, the OIGEN sweet potato pot needs to be cleaned, dried and seasoned before use.
Clean Sweet Potatoes
Before roasting your sweet potatoes, clean them thoroughly with water. Leave them wet. The extra water on the surface of the potatoes will help cook them.
Chop to Fit
If your sweet potatoes can fit inside the pot whole, then you don't need to do anything. However, if they are too long to fit in the pot, chop them in half.
Place Sweet Potatoes Inside
Once you've prepared your pot and sweet potatoes, place the potatoes in the pot and set on medium heat.
Roast the sweet potatoes at medium heat for approximately 10 minutes.
Turn to Evenly Roast
After 10 minutes, the aroma of sweet potatoes should start filling the air. Rotate the potatoes and re-lid the pot to evenly roast them. Feel free to check up on them to make sure they are roasting evenly.
After about 10 minutes, your sweet potatoes should be ready. Be sure to chant, "Yakiimo~, Yakiimo~, Hokuhoku" before eating.
Total cooking time is approximately 20 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes.
After Use
After roasting your sweet potatoes, let the pot cool down. Clean, dry thoroughly, and season the pot before storing.
Other Uses
Although the OIGEN is called a sweet potato pot, you can roast anything in it. Normal potatoes and corn are two great foods that roast nicely.
If you have used your OIGEN sweet potato pot for other foods, leave a comment below and let us know how it went!
