The inclusion of these miso butter sweet potatoes in any meal is going to leave you feeling healthy, fueled and satisfied. Moving inspired me to try new things. I have a local farmers market I go to most Saturdays and two independent grocers who have wonderful produce. I am very fortunate we have so much around us. Kumara or sweet potato as they are known outside of Aotearoa, New Zealand are very affordable here (Naarm, Melbourne). I can purchase locally grown for AUD$4 for 1.5kg, the ugly kind. I'm not sure how the supermarket determines which kumara are ugly. I find all plant foods beautiful, and kumara are unique. As such, we have been eating more of them.
Is sweet potato really healthier than potato?
On paper, yes. A cup of cooked sweet potato contains 769% of your daily vitamin A intake due to the fact it is a mighty source of beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A in your body. As such, these tubers are effective in neutralising free radicals, protecting your body from inflammation and disease. The purple varietal presents an even richer source of anthocyanin pigments with high antioxidant capacity, compounds that have been found to slow the growth of certain types of cancer cells in test-tube studies, including those of the bladder, colon, stomach, and breast. Chlorogenic acid is the most abundant polyphenol antioxidant in sweet potatoes, which has shown significant protection in cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and various inflammation-related conditions.
About the butter
BLU DELI is the ingredient I am most excited about right now. In the year prior to moving, I began making buttercream because I had found a butter that worked well, Naturli, which is primarily organic rapeseed oil, organic coconut oil, and organic shea butter oil. This butter is very good. I still recall the hot cross buns from IMA cuisine smothered in too much butter fondly. So when we moved, I assumed I would find Naturli’, but during a weekly visit to Wholefoods Fitzroy on Smith Street, BLU DELI was in the fridge, new to them, new to me. I purchased two blocks, and I never bothered looking for another butter. BLU DELI is full of life force, giving nutrients from macadamias, coconut cream, and organic soy. At the same time, after years of not really eating marmite, I started, and this butter and marmite on toast is very much a part of my life now. So is this miso butter and an onion risotto (a new recipe for next month!) that requires butter.
My food philosophy is very much focused on sustainable, local produce and ingredients where possible. It is also about seeking out quality and fair products. Beyond feeding us, food has the ability to elevate our health and the health of the planet. How food looks, how it tastes, how it is prepared and how it makes you feel—food’s ability to transform our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing will, in various ways, influence our life experiences. Food is powerful.
