군고구마/Goon Goguma : Roasted Sweet Potatoes

                                          군고구마/Goon Goguma : Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes (고구마) or Goguma, are loved by Koreans and are essential snack in the wintertime. Sweet Potatoes are a root vegetable that is large, starchy, and have a sweet taste for a vegetable. Roasted sweet potatoes (군고구마), “Goon Goguma” is a staple winter food in South Korea. You’ll be able to find them being sold on the streets by ajusshis passing out steaming sweet potatoes in a large envelope made from recycled paper. Large metal barrels are actually used to make street-cart ovens with customized trays to roast the sweet potatoes.

                                           

Sweet potatoes are very healthy and beneficial because they contain vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, fiber, B vitamins, potassium and even iron. Antioxidants in sweet potatoes also have anti-inflammatory properties. The beta-carotene and vitamin C in these tubers work together to rid the body of cancer-friendly free radicals. They are also healthy and great for those who are on diets. 

You can also roast sweet potatoes at home in the oven, and if you don’t have an oven, you can also steam them. Sometimes more than a snack, sweet potatoes can be eaten as a meal with kimchi. A very simple recipe below for you to enjoy.

Ingredients :
- Korean Sweet Potatoes
- Cooking Oil
- Frypan
- Chopstick

Directions :
1. Rinse and place sweet potatoes in a cast iron pan over low heat.
2. Turn them every 10~20 minutes or so to cook evenly on both sides. (Depending on the size of the goguma, it may take 30 minutes to an hour.)
3. With a chopstick, insert in the goguma to see if it has been cooked thoroughly.
4. Enjoy! ^^ N do let me know :)